output
stringlengths 2
1.19k
| input
stringlengths 1
122k
| instruction
stringclasses 1
value |
|---|---|---|
Multiple expansions of globally uncommon SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Nigeria | Disparities in SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance have limited our understanding of the viral population dynamics and may delay identification of globally important variants. Despite being the most populated country in Africa, Nigeria has remained critically under sampled. Here, we report sequences from 378 SARS-CoV-2 isolates collected in Oyo State, Nigeria between July 2020 and August 2021. In early 2021, most isolates belonged to the Alpha “variant of concern” (VOC) or the Eta lineage. Eta outcompeted Alpha in Nigeria and across West Africa, persisting in the region even after expansion of an otherwise rare Delta sub-lineage. Spike protein from the Eta variant conferred increased infectivity and decreased neutralization by convalescent sera in vitro. Phylodynamic reconstructions suggest that Eta originated in West Africa before spreading globally and represented a VOC in early 2021. These results demonstrate a distinct distribution of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Nigeria, and emphasize the need for improved genomic surveillance worldwide. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Of pandemics, politics, and personality: The role of conscientiousness and political ideology in the sharing of fake news | Sharing misinformation can be catastrophic, especially during times of national importance. Typically studied in political contexts, the sharing of fake news has been positively linked with conservative political ideology. However, such sweeping generalizations run the risk of increasing already rampant political polarization. We offer a more nuanced account by proposing that the sharing of fake news is largely driven by low conscientiousness conservatives. At high levels of conscientiousness there is no difference between liberals and conservatives. We find support for our hypotheses in the contexts of COVID-19, political, and neutral news across eight studies (six preregistered; two conceptual replications) with 4,642 participants and 91,144 unique participant-news observations. A general desire for chaos explains the interactive effect of political ideology and conscientiousness on the sharing of fake news. Furthermore, our findings indicate the inadequacy of fact-checker interventions to deter the spread of fake news. This underscores the challenges associated with tackling fake news, especially during a crisis like COVID-19 where misinformation impairs the ability of governments to curtail the pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved). | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Prevalence of Complete Airway Closure According to Body Mass Index in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome: Pooled Cohort Analysis. | BACKGROUND Complete airway closure during expiration may underestimate alveolar pressure. It has been reported in cases of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), as well as in morbidly obese patients with healthy lungs. The authors hypothesized that complete airway closure was highly prevalent in obese ARDS and influenced the calculation of respiratory mechanics. METHODS In a post hoc pooled analysis of two cohorts, ARDS patients were classified according to body mass index (BMI) terciles. Low-flow inflation pressure-volume curve and partitioned respiratory mechanics using esophageal manometry were recorded. The authors' primary aim was to compare the prevalence of complete airway closure according to BMI terciles. Secondary aims were to compare (1) respiratory system mechanics considering or not considering complete airway closure in their calculation, and (2) and partitioned respiratory mechanics according to BMI. RESULTS Among the 51 patients analyzed, BMI was less than 30 kg/m in 18, from 30 to less than 40 in 16, and greater than or equal to 40 in 17. Prevalence of complete airway closure was 41% overall (95% CI, 28 to 55; 21 of 51 patients), and was lower in the lowest (22% [3 to 41]; 4 of 18 patients) than in the highest BMI tercile (65% [42 to 87]; 11 of 17 patients). Driving pressure and elastances of the respiratory system and of the lung were higher when complete airway closure was not taken into account in their calculation. End-expiratory esophageal pressure (ρ = 0.69 [95% CI, 0.48 to 0.82]; P < 0.001), but not chest wall elastance, was associated with BMI, whereas elastance of the lung was negatively correlated with BMI (ρ = -0.27 [95% CI, -0.56 to -0.10]; P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of complete airway closure was high in ARDS and should be taken into account when calculating respiratory mechanics, especially in the most morbidly obese patients. : WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: Plateau and driving pressures have been shown to correlate with mortality in adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, these static airway pressures may not always accurately reflect alveolar pressure.It has recently been recognized that in ARDS, airway closure may occur while some alveoli are still inflated. This may result in a biased estimate of mean alveolar pressure.Complete airway closure can only be measured by the inflection point on the initial portion of a low-flow inflation pressure-volume or pressure-time curve with the absence of cardiac oscillations and very low compliance, most likely in the terminal bronchioles.In 25 to 33% of patients with ARDS, airway opening pressure (the inflection point value) is greater than the total positive end-expiratory pressure measured by an end-expiratory maneuver. WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW In a post hoc analysis of two cohort studies of respiratory mechanics in ARDS, the authors compared the prevalence of complete airway closure stratified by body mass index and its effects on respiratory mechanics.Complete airway closure was present in 41% of patients, increasing with body mass index tercile (65% in the highest).Driving pressure and respiratory system elastances (lung, chest wall) were higher when complete airway closure was not adjusted for. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Impact on Mental Health of Families during Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Survey | BACKGROUND: The global pandemic of novel coronavirus outbreaks threatens the general public and health care workers' physical, social and mental well-being. Therefore, the current study is aimed to highlight the status of mental health of families suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted on 560 families through Google Form distributed via email, Whatsapp groups, Facebook, and LinkedIn from November 2020 to January 2021 during the pandemic period in Karachi through the snowball sampling technique. The status of COVID-19 patients was assessed through demographics information and contextual factors questions whereas impact on mental health was assessed through Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21). RESULTS: A total number of 536 participated in the study. The prevalence of depression, anxiety and stress was found to be 38.99%, 26.67%, and 15.48% respectively included 31% of males and 69% where the highest number of respondents belonged to district Central (37.8%). Chi square estimation was found to be significant among both the gender and in between all the age group ranges from 20 to 60 years. Moreover, significant association among categorical division of demography and DASS-21 p<0.05 was observed. CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicated high rate of depression and anxiety in majority of families; in particular females. Consistent with these symptoms, significant association was found between gender and age from high to low socioeconomic status. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Regional and sectorial impacts of the Covid‐19 crisis: Evidence from electronic payments | We use novel and comprehensive monthly data on electronic payments, by municipality and sector, together with cash withdrawals, to study the impact of Covid‐19 in Portugal. Our difference‐in‐differences event study identifies a causal decrease of 17 and 40 percentage points on the year‐on‐year growth rate of overall purchases in March and April 2020. We document a stronger impact of the crisis in more central and more urban municipalities, due to a combination of the sectorial composition effect of the local economy and the sharper confinement behavioral effect in these locations. We discuss the importance of tourism for the results. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Musculoskeletal oncology: patient triage and management during the COVID-19 pandemic | Sarcoma treatment during the covid-19 pandemic is a new challenge. This patient population is often immunocompromised and potentially more susceptible to viral complications. Government guidelines highlight the need to minimize patient exposure to unnecessary hospital visits. However, those guidelines lack practical recommendations on ways to manage triage and diagnosis expressly for new cancer patients. Furthermore, there are no reports on the efficiency of the guidelines. One of the main issues in treating musculoskeletal tumours is the complexity and variability of presentation. We offer a triage model, used in a quaternary-referral musculoskeletal oncology centre, that allows us to maintain an open pathway for referral of new patients while minimizing exposure risks. A multidisciplinary approach and analysis of existing investigations allow for a pre-clinic evaluation. The model identifies 3 groups of patients: â Patients with suspected high-grade malignancy, or benign cases with aggressive features, both in need of further evaluation in the clinic and prompt treatmentâ Patients with low-grade malignancy, and benign cases whose treatment is not urgent, that are managed during the pandemic by telemedicine, with reassurance and information about their illnessâ Patients who can be managed by their local medical professionals In comparison to a pre-pandemic period, that approach resulted in a higher ratio of malignant-to-benign conditions for new patients seen in the clinic (3:4 vs. 1:3 respectively), thus using available resources more efficiently and prioritizing patients with suspected high-grade malignancy. We believe that this triage system could be applied in other surgical oncology fields during a pandemic. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Funding Liquidity Risk in Emerging Markets: Is COVID-19 Any Different? | We construct synthetic spreads representing funding liquidity risk in BRICS economies and examine whether this risk transmits from the developed world through market channels. Applying a Bayesian Trend Filtering model on daily data encompassing three crises, we arrive at two salient conclusions: (a) the credit market and stock market channels in BRICS economies are not risk transmitters, and (b) the debt market is an intermittent carrier in a handful of countries. Deeper analysis of the results' temporal patterns shows key central banking decisions to precede or coincide with spillover attenuation, which, too, progressively waned with each crisis. In fact, with the understandable exception of China, spillover phenomenon is inert during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
COVID-19: inflammatory responses, structure-based drug design and potential therapeutics | The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for the global health emergency. Here, we explore the diverse mechanisms of SARS-CoV-induced inflammation. We presume that SARS-CoV-2 likely contributes analogous inflammatory responses. Possible therapeutic mechanisms for reducing SARS-CoV-2-mediated inflammatory responses comprise FcR inactivation. Currently, there is no specific remedy available against the SARS-CoV-2. Consequently, recognizing efficacious antiviral leads to combat the virus is crucially desired. The coronavirus (CoV) main protease (M(pro) also called 3CL(pro)), which plays an indispensable role in viral replication and transcription, is an interesting target for drug design. This review compiles the latest advances in biological and structural research, along with development of inhibitors targeting CoV M(pros). It is anticipated that inhibitors targeting CoV M(pros) could be advanced into wide-spectrum antiviral drugs in case of COVID-19 and other CoV-related diseases. The crystal structural and docking results have shown that Ebselen, N3, TDZD-8 and α-ketoamide (13b) inhibitors can bind to the substrate-binding pocket of COVID-19 M(pro). α-ketoamide-based inhibitor 13b inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in human Calu3 lung cells. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) showed that the treatment with Ebselen, TDZD-8 and N3 reduced the amounts of SARS-CoV-2, respectively, 20.3-, 10.19- and 8.4-fold compared to the treatment in the absence of inhibitor. Moreover, repurposing of already present drugs to treat COVID-19 serves as one of the competent and economic therapeutic strategies. Several anti-malarial, anti-HIV and anti-inflammatory drugs as mentioned in Table 2 were found effective for the COVID-19 treatment. Further, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) was found more potent than chloroquine (CQ) in inhibiting SARS-CoV-2 in vitro. Furthermore, convalescent plasma from patients who have recuperated from viral infections can be employed as a therapy without the appearance of severe adverse events. Hence, it might be valuable to examine the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma transfusion in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Diotic and Dichotic Mechanisms of Discrimination Threshold in Musicians and Non-Musicians. | The perception of harmonic complexes provides important information for musical and vocal communication. Numerous studies have shown that musical training and expertise are associated with better processing of harmonic complexes, however, it is unclear whether the perceptual improvement associated with musical training is universal to different pitch models. The current study addresses this issue by measuring discrimination thresholds of musicians (n = 20) and non-musicians (n = 18) to diotic (same sound to both ears) and dichotic (different sounds to each ear) sounds of four stimulus types: (1) pure sinusoidal tones, PT; (2) four-harmonic complex tones, CT; (3) iterated rippled noise, IRN; and (4) interaurally correlated broadband noise, called the "Huggins" or "dichotic" pitch, DP. Frequency difference limens (DLF) for each stimulus type were obtained via a three-alternative-forced-choice adaptive task requiring selection of the interval with the highest pitch, yielding the smallest perceptible fundamental frequency (F0) distance (in Hz) between two sounds. Music skill was measured by an online test of musical pitch, melody and timing maintained by the International Laboratory for Brain Music and Sound Research. Musicianship, length of music experience and self-evaluation of musical skill were assessed by questionnaire. Results showed musicians had smaller DLFs in all four conditions with the largest group difference in the dichotic condition. DLF thresholds were related to both subjective and objective musical ability. In addition, subjective self-report of musical ability was shown to be a significant variable in group classification. Taken together, the results suggest that music-related plasticity benefits multiple mechanisms of pitch encoding and that self-evaluation of musicality can be reliably associated with objective measures of perception. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The Role of the Chief Resident in Promoting Health Equity | Drawing on recent experiences as a Chief Resident, the author proposes several strategies for promoting health equity. Challenges to this task are highlighted. The Chief Resident’s ability to bypass these obstacles and construct experiences that promote long-term change is explored through the framework of the formal, informal, and hidden curricula. The strategic use of didactic conferences, role-modeling, and personnel decisions are emphasized. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
COVID-19 control pitfalls and challenges and drivers of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Zimbabwe | Despite numerous public health interventions introduced by the Zimbabwean government, the COVID-19 burden continues to grow. The number of confirmed cases increased from less than 600 to over 6000 in a period of two months, and the fatalities now exceed 150. The source of infection has significantly changed from imported cases to community transmission. The greatest burden of COVID-19 is in the country's two biggest provinces, Harare and Bulawayo, and differentiated approaches are urgently required to curb further transmissions whilst allowing other aspects of the population's livelihood to continue. We discuss some of the pitfalls and challenges for COVID-19 control, and the possible drivers of SARS-CoV-2 community transmission in the country. An urgent multi-sectoral intersection to effectively deal with these caveats is required, and political commitment to deal with the crisis remains an indispensable variable. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
How has COVID-19 affected mental health nurses and the delivery of mental health nursing care in the UK? Results of a mixed-methods study | WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been research considering the impact on medical healthcare professionals and the mental health needs of the general population. However, limited focus has been placed on mental health services or mental health staff providing care in the community and in hospitals. While nurses make up the largest section of the mental health workforce in the UK, the impact that this pandemic has had on their work has been largely ignored. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This paper provides a unique insight into the experiences and impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on mental health nurses across a range of community and inpatient settings to understand what has changed in their work and the care they can and do provide during this crisis. This includes exploring how services have changed, the move to remote working, the impact of the protective equipment crisis on nurses and the difficult working conditions facing those in inpatient settings where there is minimal guidance provided. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: By understanding the impact the pandemic has had on mental health nursing care, we can understand the gaps in guidance that exist, the challenges being faced and the impact the crisis has had on care for mental health service users. By doing so, we can plan for the ongoing nature of this pandemic and the aftermath that the crisis may leave for our service users and workforce alike. ABSTRACT: Introduction While evidence has emerged concerning the impact of COVID-19 on the general population and the challenges facing health services, much less is known regarding how the pandemic has directly affected the delivery of mental health nursing care. Aim This paper aimed to explore how COVID-19 has affected the ability of mental health nurses to deliver care in community and inpatient mental health services in the UK. Method We investigated staff reports regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental healthcare and mental health service users in the UK, using a mixed-methods online survey. A total of 897 nurses across a range of inpatient and community settings participated. Discussion Key themes within the data explore the following: new ways of working; remote working; risks of infection/infection control challenges; and the impact on service users. Targeted guidelines are required to support mental health nurses providing care and support during a pandemic to people in severe mental distress, often in unsuitable environments. Implications for Practice Service developments need to occur alongside tailored guidance and support for staff welfare supported by clear leadership. These findings identify areas requiring attention and investment to prepare for future crises and the consequences of the pandemic. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Efficient Integration of XR with Haptic Feedback and 5G Networks | The speedy development of immersive technologies and unexpected situations like the COVID-19 pandemic are expected to boost the application of extended reality (XR) in tourism. Virtualization techniques can create a virtual environment identical to the real one, giving to the user the feeling of actually being there. The aim of haptic systems is to enhance the degree of immersion into a virtual environment by intensifying the skill of physical interaction with people and objects in the distant space. The advancement of cellular networks enables haptic data transmission over high data rate and low latency wireless communication to create ambient haptic experience. The contribution of this research is to describe how XR and haptics are able to reshape tourism industry and present insights for tourism involved parties. © 2021 IEEE. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
False negative chest X-Rays in patients affected by COVID-19 pneumonia and corresponding chest CT findings | Due to the wide availability, rapid execution, low cost, and possibility of being acquired at the patient's bed, chest X-Ray is a fundamental tool in the diagnosis, follow-up and evaluation of the treatment effectiveness of patients with pneumonia, also in the context of COVID-19 infection. However, false negative cases are possible. We report 4 cases of false negative chest X-Rays, in patients who were diagnosed positive for COVID-19 by real-time transverse-transcript-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and executed chest unenhanced CTs just after the X-Rays, demonstrating signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Few bacterial co-infections but frequent empiric antibiotic use in the early phase of hospitalized patients with COVID-19: results from a multicentre retrospective cohort study in The Netherlands. | BACKGROUND Knowledge on bacterial co-infections in COVID-19 is crucial to use antibiotics appropriately. Therefore, we aimed to determine the incidence of bacterial co-infections, antibiotic use and application of antimicrobial stewardship principles in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational study in four hospitals (1 university, 2 non-university teaching, 1 non-teaching hospital) in the Netherlands from March to May 2020 including consecutive patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19. Data on first microbiological investigations obtained at the discretion of the physician and antibiotic use in the first week of hospital admission were collected. RESULTS Twelve (1.2%) of the 925 patients included had a documented bacterial co-infection (75.0% pneumonia) within the first week. Microbiological testing was performed in 749 (81%) patients: sputum cultures in 105 (11.4%), blood cultures in 711 (76.9%), pneumococcal urinary antigen testing in 202 (21.8%), and Legionella urinary antigen testing in 199 (21.5%) patients, with clear variation between hospitals. On presentation 556 (60.1%; range 33.3-73.4%) patients received antibiotics for a median duration of 2 days (IQR 1-4). Intravenous to oral switch was performed in 41 of 413 (9.9%) patients who received intravenous treatment >48 h. Mean adherence to the local guideline on empiric antibiotic therapy on day 1 was on average 60.3% (range 45.3%-74.7%). CONCLUSIONS On presentation to the hospital bacterial co-infections are rare, while empiric antibiotic use is abundant. This implies that in patients with COVID-19 empiric antibiotic should be withheld. This has the potential to dramatically reduce the current overuse of antibiotics in the COVID-19 pandemic. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Explorations in a post-normal landscape: South Africa this side of and beyond Covid-19 | The initial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was felt through its life-threatening flu-like infections that caused the death of tens of thousands of people around the world, but an even more serious and enduring effect evolved from the lock-down strategies of governments to contain the infections. It caused mass disruptions in the social and economic life of nations and communities: people were isolated from friends, family and their recreation facilities, businesses went bankrupt, supply chains crumbled, and unemployment increased. The ultimate economic and social consequences of this policy-driven destruction of global systems are unfathomable. They confuse people, causing a feeling of hopelessness and incompetence in their search for solutions to the policy-initiated spillover problems they have to face. They are faced with an uncontrollable wave of change, the nature of which they can only try to understand, and which, it is hoped, will lead to a more desirable future outcome. When they reflected on the emergence of the pandemic, people suddenly became aware of a number of warnings issued since the 1990s about the likelihood of a Covid-19-type flu-like pandemic that would ravage the world. Why were these warnings ignored? Moreover, why did this pandemic become so utterly disruptive that people now struggle to find solutions to it? Three futurists at the international Centre for Post-normal Policy and Futures Studies describe the Covid-19 pandemic as a "perfect postnormal storm" in "post-normal times". This paper uses aspects of their research to explain the disruptive effect of the Covid-19 pandemic, applying them to the South African situation. The wave of disruptions that were caused by pandemic control is in essence complex systemic. It is very difficult to understand complex systemic change if traditional thinking and established systems of specialised knowledge (the so-called "cognitive homeland") are used. What is required is, first, to acknowledge a state of "invincible ignorance" in established thinking: an acknowledgement that established thinking must be replaced with new thinking. This requires an exploration of the "manufactured normalcy field", which refers to the thought systems that reaffirm normalcy despite major shifts in circumstances. Such an exploration covers, among other things, inquiries into the underpinnings of the "manufactured normalcy field", contrasting worldviews, paradigms, values, metaphors, and perspectives. The possible impact of "strange attractors" to guide a process of self-organisation in complex systemic change is also important to consider. Such "strange attractors" can emerge from information management, values management, heuristic learning designs which may usher in shifts in collective insights, paradigm shifts and new worldviews. South Africans are often reminded that Covid-19 created a new normal which requires them to adapt their outlook on life and their lifestyles. In fact, this country's pre-Covid-19 world was far from normal - since the 1990's South Africans have been living an unsettled life in an unsettled country. In other words, for thirty years they have been trapped in a state of limbo of post-normal times, the nature of which is described by the Centre for Post-normal Policy and Futures Studies as "an in-between period where the old ways are dying and new ways have yet to be discovered". | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Scaling analysis of COVID-19 spreading based on Belgian hospitalization data | We analyze the temporal evolution of accumulated hospitalization cases due to COVID-19 in Belgium. The increase of hospitalization cases is consistent with an initial exponential phase, and a subsequent power law growth. For the latter, we estimate a power law exponent of ≈ 2.2, which is consistent with growth kinetics of COVID-19 in China and indicative of the underlying small world network structure of the epidemic. Finally, we fit an SIR-X model to the experimental data and estimate the effect of containment policies in comparison to their effect in China. This model suggests that the base reproduction rate has been significantly reduced, but that the number of susceptible individuals that is isolated from infection is very small. Based on the SIR-X model fit, we analyze the COVID-19 mortality and the number of patients requiring ICU treatment over time. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Direct DNA crosslinking with CAP-C uncovers transcription-dependent chromatin organization at high resolution | Determining the spatial organization of chromatin in cells mainly relies on crosslinking-based chromosome conformation capture techniques, but resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of these approaches is limited by interference from DNA-bound proteins. Here we introduce chemical-crosslinking assisted proximity capture (CAP-C), a method that uses multifunctional chemical crosslinkers with defined sizes to capture chromatin contacts. CAP-C generates chromatin contact maps at subkilobase (sub-kb) resolution with low background noise. We applied CAP-C to formaldehyde prefixed mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and investigated loop domains (median size of 200 kb) and nonloop domains (median size of 9 kb). Transcription inhibition caused a greater loss of contacts in nonloop domains than loop domains. We uncovered conserved, transcription-state-dependent chromatin compartmentalization at high resolution that is shared from Drosophila to human, and a transcription-initiation-dependent nuclear subcompartment that brings multiple nonloop domains in close proximity. We also showed that CAP-C could be used to detect native chromatin conformation without formaldehyde prefixing. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Extracellular RNA as a Versatile DAMP and Alarm Signal That Influences Leukocyte Recruitment in Inflammation and Infection | Upon vascular injury, tissue damage, ischemia, or microbial infection, intracellular material such as nucleic acids and histones is liberated and comes into contact with the vessel wall and circulating blood cells Such "Danger-associated molecular patterns" (DAMPs) may thus have an enduring influence on the inflammatory defense process that involves leukocyte recruitment and wound healing reactions While different species of extracellular RNA (exRNA), including microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs, have been implicated to influence inflammatory processes at different levels, recent in vitro and in vivo work has demonstrated a major impact of ribosomal exRNA as a prominent DAMP on various steps of leukocyte recruitment within the innate immune response This includes the induction of vascular hyper-permeability and vasogenic edema by exRNA via the activation of the "vascular endothelial growth factor" (VEGF) receptor-2 system, as well as the recruitment of leukocytes to the inflamed endothelium, the M1-type polarization of inflammatory macrophages, or the role of exRNA as a pro-thrombotic cofactor to promote thrombosis Beyond sterile inflammation, exRNA also augments the docking of bacteria to host cells and the subsequent microbial invasion Moreover, upon vessel occlusion and ischemia, the shear stress-induced release of exRNA initiates arteriogenesis (i e , formation of natural vessel bypasses) in a multistep process that resembles leukocyte recruitment Although exRNA can be counteracted for by natural circulating RNase1, under the conditions mentioned, only the administration of exogenous, thermostable, non-toxic RNase1 provides an effective and safe therapeutic regimen for treating the damaging activities of exRNA It remains to be investigated whether exRNA may also influence viral infections (including COVID-19), e g , by supporting the interaction of host cells with viral particles and their subsequent invasion In fact, as a consequence of the viral infection cycle, massive amounts of exRNA are liberated, which can provoke further tissue damage and enhance virus dissemination Whether the application of RNase1 in this scenario may help to limit the extent of viral infections like COVID-19 and impact on leukocyte recruitment and emigration steps in immune defense in order to limit the extent of associated cardiovascular diseases remains to be studied | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
A two-levels data anonymization approach | The amount of devices gathering and using personal data without the person’s approval is exponentially growing The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came following the requests of individuals who felt at risk of personal privacy breaches Consequently, privacy preservation through machine learning algorithms were designed based on cryptography, statistics, databases modeling and data mining In this paper, we present two-levels data anonymization methods The first level consists of anonymizing data using an unsupervised learning protocol, and the second level is anonymization by incorporating the discriminative information to test the effect of labels on the quality of the anonymized data The results show that the proposed approaches give good results in terms of utility what preserves the trade-off between data privacy and its usefulness | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Association between personal protective equipment and SARS-CoV-2 infection risk in emergency department healthcare workers | BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Healthcare personnel working in the emergency department (ED) is at risk of acquiring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-Cov-2). So far, it is unknown if the reported variety in infection rates among healthcare personnel is related to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) or other factors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between PPE use and SARS-CoV-2 infections among ED personnel in the Netherlands. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A nationwide survey, consisting of 42 questions about PPE-usage, ED layout - and workflow and SARS-CoV-2 infection rates of permanent ED staff, was sent to members of the Dutch Society of Emergency Physicians. Members were asked to fill out one survey on behalf of the ED of their hospital. The association between PPE use and the infection rate was investigated using univariable and multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for potential confounders. OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the incidence of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections among permanent ED staff between 1 March and 15 May 2020. RESULTS: Surveys were sent to 64 EDs of which 45 responded (70.3%). In total, 164 ED staff workers [5.1 (3.2–7.0)%] tested positive for COVID-19 during the study period compared to 0.087% of the general population. There was significant clustering of infected ED staff in some hospitals (range: 0–23 infection). In 13 hospitals, an FFP2 (filtering facepiece particles >94% aerosol filtration) mask or equivalent and eye protection was worn for all contacts with patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 during the whole study period. The unadjusted staff infection rate was higher in these hospitals [7.3 (3.4–11.1) vs. 4.0 (1.9–6.1)%, absolute difference + 3.3%]. Hospital staff testing policy was identified as a potential confounder of the relation between PPE use and confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections (collinearity statistic 0.95). After adjusting for hospital testing policy, type of PPE was not associated with incidence of COVID 19 infections among ED staff (P = 0.40). CONCLUSION: In this cross-sectional study, the use of high-level PPE (FFP2 or equivalent and eye protection) by ED personnel during all contacts with patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 does not seem to be associated with a lower infection rate of ED staff compared to lower level PPE use. Attention should be paid to ED layout and social distancing to prevent cross-contamination of ED personnel. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Strong Association between Respiratory Viral Infection Early after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and the Development of Life-Threatening Acute and Chronic Alloimmune Lung Syndromes | Alloimmune lung syndromes (allo-LS), including idiopathic pneumonia syndrome, bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome, and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, are severe complications after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In our cohort of 110 pediatric patients, 30 had allo-LS (27.3%), 18 with ideopathic pneumonia syndrome and 12 with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. Multivariate analysis showed that respiratory viral infection early after HSCT is an important predictor for the development of allo-LS (P <.0001). This was true for all viruses tested. In multivariate analysis, allo-LS was the only predictor for higher mortality (P = .04). Paradoxically, prolonged administration of immunosuppressive agents because of acute graft-versus-host disease had a protective effect on the development of allo-LS (P = .004). We hypothesize that early infection of the respiratory tract with a common cold virus makes the lungs a target for alloimmunity. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Changes in COVID-19 in-hospital mortality in hospitalised adults in England over the first seven months of the pandemic: An observational study using administrative data | BACKGROUND: Previous research by our team identified factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 in England between March and May 2020. The aim of the current paper was to investigate the changing role of demographics and co-morbidity, with a particular focus on ethnicity, as risk factors for in-hospital mortality over an extended period. METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study using the Hospital Episode Statistics administrative dataset. All patients aged ≥ 18 years in England with a diagnosis of COVID-19 who had a hospital stay that was completed (discharged alive or died) between 1st March and 30th September 2020 were included. In-hospital mortality was the primary outcome of interest. Multilevel logistic regression was used to model the relationship between in-hospital mortality with adjustment for the covariates: age, sex, deprivation, ethnicity, date of discharge and a number of comorbidities. FINDINGS: Compared to patients in March-May (n = 93,379), patients in June-September (n = 24,059) were younger, more likely to be female and of Asian ethnicity, but less likely to be of Black ethnicity. In-hospital mortality rates, adjusted for covariates, declined from 33–34% in March to 11–12% in September. Compared to the March-May period, Bangladeshi, Indian and Other Asian ethnicity patients had a lower relative odds of death (compared to White ethnicity patients) during June-September. For Pakistani patients, the decline in-hospital mortality rates was more modest across the same time periods with the relative odds of death increasing slightly (odds ratio (95% confidence interval)) 1.24 (1.10 to 1.40) and 1.35 (1.08 to 1.69) respectively. From March-May to June-September the relative odds of death in patients with a diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma increased (1.90 (1.73 to 2.08) vs 3.01 (2.55 to 3.54)) but decreased for male patients (1.44 (1.39 to 1.49) vs 1.27 (1.17 to 1.38)) and patients with obesity (1.42 (1.34 to 1.52) vs 0.97 (0.83 to 1.14)) and diabetes without complications (1.14 (1.10 to 1.19) vs 0.95 (0.87 to 1.05)). INTERPRETATION: In-hospital mortality rates for patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19 have fallen substantially and there is evidence that the relative importance of some covariates has changed since the start of the pandemic. These patterns should continue to be tracked as new variants of the virus emerge, vaccination programmes are rolled out and hospital pressures fluctuate. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Telepsychotherapy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Experience of Lebanese Mental Health Professionals | The COVID-19 pandemic has taken the mental health system by surprise, with the state of lockdown forcing businesses to close their doors, including many mental health services. This has driven many psychotherapists and other mental health professionals towards telepsychotherapy, relying on online consultations to provide continuity of care. However, the adoption of telepsychotherapy required major adaptations from both mental health professionals and patients. This study set out to explore the predictors of the use of online consultations and the perceived level of comfort using telepsychotherapy in a sample of 73 Lebanese mental health professionals. Data was collected via online dissemination of a survey. Results show that 82% of participants made use of online consultations in the past few days, reflecting the adaptation of Lebanese mental health professionals to the atypical newly imposed situation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequent lockdown. Having previous experience in the use of online consultations and perceived level of telepresence were significant predictors of the level of comfort of mental health professionals in the execution online consultations. We suggest that more awareness and trainings are required around the practice of telepsychotherapy outside the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Constructing Identity in the Time of Coronavirus: Reading as Recovery | How does a beginning teacher go about constructing a teacherly identity in a pandemic? How does one reconcile what might be with what is, as dictated by the rhetoric of a neoliberal government, which prizes the individual mind over the collective one, the product over the process, and results over relationships? This essay explores these questions through the experience of reading Jane Eyre with a Year 9 English class. Personal and professional stories form the core of this investigation that explores the complexities of finding a teacherly identity;this is a discussion about aims and values and relationships, rather than just ‘effective’ teaching strategies. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Changing English: Studies in Culture & Education is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.) | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in Sierra Leone, March 2021: a cross-sectional, nationally representative, age-stratified serosurvey | INTRODUCTION: As of 26 March 2021, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention had reported 4 159 055 cases of COVID-19 and 111 357 deaths among the 55 African Union member states; however, no country has published a nationally representative serosurvey as of October 2021. Such data are vital for understanding the pandemic’s progression on the continent, evaluating containment measures, and policy planning. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, nationally representative, age-stratified serosurvey in Sierra Leone in March 2021 by randomly selecting 120 Enumeration Areas throughout the country and 10 randomly selected households in each of these. One to two persons per selected household were interviewed to collect information on sociodemographics, symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, exposure history to laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases, and history of COVID-19 illness. Capillary blood was collected by fingerstick, and blood samples were tested using the Hangzhou Biotest Biotech RightSign COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette. Total seroprevalence was estimated after applying sampling weights. RESULTS: The overall weighted seroprevalence was 2.6% (95% CI 1.9% to 3.4%). This was 43 times higher than the reported number of cases. Rural seropositivity was 1.8% (95% CI 1.0% to 2.5%), and urban seropositivity was 4.2% (95% CI 2.6% to 5.7%). DISCUSSION: Overall seroprevalence was low compared with countries in Europe and the Americas (suggesting relatively successful containment in Sierra Leone). This has ramifications for the country’s third wave (which started in June 2021), during which the average number of daily reported cases was 87 by the end of the month:this could potentially be on the order of 3700 actual infections per day, calling for stronger containment measures in a country with only 0.2% of people fully vaccinated. It may also reflect significant under-reporting of incidence and mortality across the continent. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Transparency on Covid-19 pandemic: an evaluation of Brazilian municipalities | This work aimed to understand how Brazilian municipalities have been disclosing information on the novel Coronavirus pandemic Starting from a representative sample of urban and rural municipalities according to Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) typology, it analyzes active and passive transparency aspects based on the search for information on institutional websites and responses to requests for access to information Next, it presents descriptive statistics for the collected data, identifying the transparency profile of data related to the virus in the municipalities It was possible to observe problems related to the quality of the information provided and a very low rate of responses to the information access requests Regarding to data on expenses and revenues to fight Coronavirus, most municipalities make this information available due to the approval of the Law 13,979/2020, exemplifying the importance of legislation to guide the municipalities and of legal factors on the transparency levels observed in the analyzed case Also, it finds that the studied municipalities show a high rate of use of social networks to disseminate information related to COVID-19 | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Border Management Systems: How Can They Help Against Pandemics | The presented work proposes ways that modern and upcoming border management systems can be utilized to help the authorities mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. This work was inspired by the latest COVID-19 pandemic that spread all around the world forcing governments to apply restrictions and bans on international travels. The paper presents the case of how the border management solution proposed and extended by the H2020 projects SMILE and ITFLOWS respectively, can be utilized to (i) allow the travellers to make a self-assessment before their travel, (ii) be notified of potential health-related alerts at their destination or transit and (iii) provide to the border authorities advanced information on the travel history of each passenger allowing them to better and faster assess their entry or exit of a country. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the proposed methods are not yet implemented in any border management system and would provide a valuable mean to help mitigate a pandemic from spreading. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Personal Protective Equipment and COVID-19: A Review for Surgeons | There is a long history of personal protective equipment (PPE) used by the surgeon to minimize the transmission of various pathogens. In the context of the present coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic there is significant controversy as to what forms of PPE are appropriate or adequate. This review aims to describe the pathogenic mechanism and route of spread of the causative virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, as it pertains to accumulated published data from experienced centers globally. The various forms of PPE that are both available and appropriate are addressed. There are options in the form of eyewear, gloves, masks, respirators, and gowns. The logical and practical utilization of these should be data driven and evolve based on both experience and data. Last, situations specific to surgical populations are addressed. We aim to provide granular collective data that has thus far been published and that can be used as a reference for optimal PPE choices in the perioperative setting for surgical teams. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Individual biosafety barrier in dentistry: An alternative in times of covid-19. preliminary study/ Barreira individual de biossegurança odontológica: Uma alternativa em tempos de covid-19. estudo preliminar | The return to dental practice in pandemic times is a new challenge due to the generation and dispersion of droplets and aerosols that may contain the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the etiological agent of covid-19. In the last months some droplet and aerosol containment strategies have been circulating on the internet, however, until now there is no evidence in the literature to prove the effectiveness of such barriers. Thus, using a microbial dispersion model with the fast handpiece, the aim of this preliminary study was to compare the dispersion caused by the the dental drill (DD) alone or in association with an individual biosafety barrier (IDBD / DD), which consisted of a layer of PVC film combined to a layer of polypropylene mounted on a frame. The dental drill was activated for one minute having had the water from the reservoir been replaced with a suspension of Lactobacillus casei Shirota. Petri dishes containing MRS agar were positioned at 50, 100 and 150 cm from the headboard of the dental chair at different angles (90 and 0 degrees). At 50 cm, the mean (standard deviation) of L. casei Shirota for DD was 13,554.59 (493.48) CFU, while for IDBD / DD was 570.67 (60.54) CFU (p <0.0001), establishing a 96% reduction. Considering these preliminary results, the individual biosafety barrier proved effective in reducing dispersion from the dental drill in this study model, which suggests that this barrier may be a viable option to optimize biosafety in the dental environment. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
History of investigation and current classification of Coronaviruses (Nidovirales: Coronaviridae)/ ИСТОРИЯ ИЗУЧЕНИЯ И СОВРЕМЕННАЯ КЛАССИФИКАЦИЯ КОРОНАВИРУСОВ (NIDOVIRALES: CORONAVIRIDAE) | An epidemic of COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) etiologically associated with the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2) that occurred at the turn of 2019–2020 firstly in Wuhan (Hubei province of China) and then spread to many countries around the world rose a new wave of interest to coronaviruses. The first coronaviruses – members of the Coronaviridae family belonging to the order Nidovirales — were discovered in the first half of the last century. The first human coronavirus, HCoV-B814, was isolated in 1965 that was not preserved in available virological collections. Over the last time, old-fashioned names and terms have been overlapped. By the beginning of the XXI century coronaviruses posed a serious veterinary problem but it was believed that epidemic coronaviruses were not among highly dangerous viruses. Scientific community had to revise such views first in 2002 when SARS-CoV (Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus) was transferred to human population in the Southeast Asia from bats, and then in 2012 when natural foci of the MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus) were found on the territory of the Arabian Peninsula. Due to an increased interest in coronaviruses, a large number of new Coronaviridae members was discovered in the first two decades of the XXI century, which required to revise its taxonomic structure several times. This review is aimed at outlining a history of investigating coronaviruses and their current classification that was shaped in early 2020 in accordance to the last recommendations of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Model-based Evaluation of Continued COVID-19 Risk at Long Term Care Facilities | The COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted long-term care facilities resulting in the death of approximately 8% of residents nationwide. As COVID-19 case rates decline and state and county restrictions are lifted, facility managers, local and state health agencies are challenged with defining their own policies moving forward to appropriately mitigate disease transmission. The continued emergence of variants of concern has highlighted the need for a readily available tool that can be employed at the facility-level to determine best practices for mitigation and ensure resident and staff safety. To assist leadership in determining the impact of various infection surveillance and response strategies, we developed an agent-based model and an online dashboard interface that simulates COVID-19 infection within congregate care settings under various mitigation measures. In this paper, we demonstrate how this dashboard can be used to quantify the continued risk for COVID-19 infections within a facility given a designated testing schedule and vaccine requirements. Our results highlight the critical nature of testing cadence, test sensitivity and specificity, and the impact of removing asymptomatic infected individuals from the workplace. We also show that monthly surveillance testing at long-term care facilities is unlikely to successfully mitigate SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in congregate care settings. DisclosuresThis work was supported by Colorado State Universitys Center for Healthy Aging, the Center for Vector-Bourne Infectious Disease, the Office of the Vice President for Research, the College of Health and Human Sciences, the Collage of Natural Sciences, the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and the Walter Scott Jr College of Engineering. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty for Severe Osteoarthritis and Pseudarthrosis in a Patient with Neurofibromatosis | We describe the case of a 76-year-old Asian female patient who presented with severe pain and a valgus deformity of the right knee. Her past medical history included neurofibromatosis, which resulted in a severe anterior slope of the right knee, limb shortening, and congenital pseudarthrosis. She was diagnosed with severe anterolateral osteoarthritis and eburnation of the right knee that was treated surgically with a lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Bone and cartilage fragments were removed from the joint space and a UKA implant (Zimmer(®)) with dimensions of 29 mm × 50 mm was inserted. Perioperative imaging revealed that the procedure resulted in the correction of the valgus deformity. Pain was reduced and the patient was able to walk for 10 meters with support during the immediate postoperative period. One week post-surgery, the patient sustained an oblique tibial fracture that extended from the medial edge of the implant to the medial slope of the proximal tibia. This complication may have been attributed to large implant size or sagittal overcutting. The fracture was treated surgically with a rotated anterolateral locking plate (A.L.P.S(®)) inserted into the distal tibia. The patient was capable of ambulation at full weight load at two months after the second procedure. It is critical to recognize that there are no standard protocols that can be used to guide the treatment of neurofibromatosis-induced osteoarthritis. The specific preoperative condition of the individual patient plays a large role in determining the appropriate treatment option. In this case, the availability of custom-fitted UKA implants might have improved outlook, we understand that these devices are costly and may not be available at all hospitals. However, we strongly believe that the “gold standard” in these cases is patient-specific treatment that addresses the issues of the highest concern using the resources that are available at that time. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The Dual Epidemics of 2020: Nursing Leaders' Reflections in the Context of Whole Person/Whole Systems | The Greater Boston Nursing Collective, a consortium composed of university nursing deans and chief nursing officers within academic medical centers and specialty hospitals in Boston, Massachusetts, was formed in 2014. Since the group's inception, our mission has been to create and reinforce whole-person/whole-system healing environments to improve the health of all communities. Through our collaboration in navigating the dual epidemics of COVID-19 and structural racism within our respective organizations, and across the United States and the world, we share experiences and lessons learned. Our common mission is clearer than ever: to create safe and joyful work environments, to protect the dignity of those we are privileged to serve, and to generate policies to advance health equity to rectify societal forces that have shaped this dual epidemic. We are humbled by the many who persist despite limited rest and respite, and whose stories, innovations, and leadership we are honored to witness and share. They have defined our generation, just as nurses in earlier crises have done: leading through service to others as our purpose and privilege. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Cyclophilin A binds to the viral RNA and replication proteins, resulting in inhibition of tombusviral replicase assembly. | Replication of plus-stranded RNA viruses is greatly affected by numerous host-encoded proteins that act as restriction factors. Cyclophilins, which are a large family of cellular prolyl isomerases, have been found to inhibit Tomato bushy stunt tombusvirus (TBSV) replication in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae model based on genome-wide screens and global proteomics approaches. In this report, we further characterize single-domain cyclophilins, including the mammalian cyclophilin A and plant Roc1 and Roc2, which are orthologs of the yeast Cpr1p cyclophilin, a known inhibitor of TBSV replication in yeast. We found that recombinant CypA, Roc1, and Roc2 strongly inhibited TBSV replication in a cell-free replication assay. Additional in vitro studies revealed that CypA, Roc1, and Roc2 cyclophilins bound to the viral replication proteins, and CypA and Roc1 also bound to the viral RNA. These interactions led to inhibition of viral RNA recruitment, the assembly of the viral replicase complex, and viral RNA synthesis. A catalytically inactive mutant of CypA was also able to inhibit TBSV replication in vitro due to binding to the replication proteins and the viral RNA. Overexpression of CypA and its mutant in yeast or plant leaves led to inhibition of tombusvirus replication, confirming that CypA is a restriction factor for TBSV. Overall, the current work has revealed a regulatory role for the cytosolic single-domain Cpr1-like cyclophilins in RNA virus replication. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
"Becoming Proximal" in Preclinical Medical Education: Community Engaged Learning Addressing Disparities in Care. | As the COVID-19 pandemic and national reckoning with racism reveal social disparities and their connection to health outcomes, we consider medical education's role in addressing pervasive health inequities and the labor of students, faculty, and community members who have come together to engage with these issues. We encourage institutions to consider a more socially-grounded model where all medical students-regardless of background, specialty, and career trajectory-participate in community-engaged and health equity-focused learning opportunities and curricula. As non-physician newcomers to medical education who are experienced in community-engaged work, in this commentary we consider how institutions might develop preclinical proximity-focused learning experiences. Reimagining academic medicine-community experiences has the potential to support medical students and community partnerships in fostering health equity in times of crisis and normalcy. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Are disease reservoirs special? Taxonomic and life history characteristics | Pathogens that spill over between species cause a significant human and animal health burden. Here, we describe characteristics of animal reservoirs that are required for pathogen spillover. We assembled and analyzed a database of 330 disease systems in which a pathogen spills over from a reservoir of one or more species. Three-quarters of reservoirs included wildlife, and 84% included mammals. Further, 65% of pathogens depended on a community of reservoir hosts, rather than a single species, for persistence. Among mammals, the most frequently identified reservoir hosts were rodents, artiodactyls, and carnivores. The distribution among orders of mammalian species identified as reservoirs did not differ from that expected by chance. Among disease systems with high priority pathogens and epidemic potential, we found birds, primates, and bats to be overrepresented. We also analyzed the life history traits of mammalian reservoir hosts and compared them to mammals as a whole. Reservoir species had faster life history characteristics than mammals overall, exhibiting traits associated with greater reproductive output rather than long-term survival. Thus, we find that in many respects, reservoirs of spillover pathogens are indeed special. The described patterns provide a useful resource for studying and managing emerging infectious diseases. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Understanding Mutation Hotspots for the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Using Shannon Entropy and K-Means Clustering | The SARS-CoV-2 virus like many other viruses has transformed in a continual manner to give rise to new variants by means of mutations commonly through substitutions and indels. These mutations in some cases can give the virus a survival advantage making the mutants dangerous. In general, laboratory investigation must be carried to determine whether the new variants have any characteristics that can make them more lethal and contagious. Therefore, complex and time-consuming analyses are required in order to delve deeper into the exact impact of a particular mutation. The time required for these analyses makes it difficult to understand the variants of concern and thereby limiting the preventive action that can be taken against them spreading rapidly. In this analysis, we have deployed a statistical technique Shannon Entropy, to identify positions in the spike protein of SARS Cov-2 viral sequence which are most susceptible to mutations. Subsequently, we also use machine learning based clustering techniques to cluster known dangerous mutations based on similarities in properties. This work utilizes embeddings generated using language modeling, the ProtBERT model, to identify mutations of a similar nature and to pick out regions of interest based on proneness to change. Our entropy-based analysis successfully predicted the fifteen hotspot regions, among which we were able to validate ten known variants of interest. As the situation of SARS-COV-2 virus rapidly evolves we believe that the remaining nine mutational hotspots may contain variants that can emerge in the future. We believe that this may be promising in helping the research community to devise therapeutics based on probable new mutation zones in the viral sequence and resemblance in properties of various mutations | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Psychosocial Safety Climate of Employees During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iran: A Policy Analysis | OBJECTIVE: Iran is among the top 15 countries in the world in terms of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection rates. The numbers of infections and deaths are still increasing in September 2020. This study aims to investigate the impact of the policies on terminating the quarantine period on the perception of psychosocial safety by employees and workers in Iran. METHODS: In this study, policy announcements and regulations, media reports, and the results were collected from 2 previously published population surveys that collected employees’ views of the government approach to quarantine. The information thus collected was then analyzed using the “What is the Problem Represented (WPR)” approach for data analysis introduced by Carol Bacchi, and focuses on the question, “What effects are produced by the representation of the problem?” RESULTS: The Iranian Government decided to quarantine people and close most sectors during the New Year holidays in Iran in March 2020. The duration of quarantine was only 2 weeks, and the government then ordered government organizations and industrial companies to reopen. The advantage of a short quarantine period is assumed to be the reinstatement of productivity while the disadvantage is the likely risk of further transmission of the virus. CONCLUSION: The government approach to and communication about the quarantine period has neglected to consider the psychosocial safety climate of employees, who have to go to their workplaces using buses, subways, or other vehicles, and who are under pressure mentally because of fear of infection, dismissal for non-attendance, and the consequent economic problems. The government approach necessarily impacts on the perceived psychosocial safety climate of employees, and hence influences the causes of work stress. If the psychosocial safety climate is not considered and improved, it may reduce the quality of services and products, and increase accidents. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Pediatric solid organ transplantation in the era of COVID-19: A follow-up study | Background: : We aimed to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 outbreak on pediatric transplant outcomes and determine whether to continue pediatric transplant activity or not, and how policies intended our center has been effective in preventing COVID-19 among organ transplant recipients. Methods: : We conducted a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of hospitalized pediatrics after organ transplantation at Shiraz transplant center since March to August 2020. All liver and kidney transplanted children were included the study and their laboratory and clinical related COVID-19 characteristics were followed up till 3 months after transplantation during hospitalization period and then weekly by the transplant committee. Results: : Fifty-one patients underwent transplantation including 11 kidney and 40 liver recipients. The mean age of the pediatric cases was 6.72±5.47 years. A total of 11 patients died due to post-transplant complications, while none of the patients presented any sign or symptoms in favor of COVID-19 in the hospital course after transplantation. Six transplants including 2 kidney and 4 liver were canceled when positive PCR tests were detected in their donors before the surgery. In the three months of follow up, two patients presented with symptoms including high grade fever, malaise, rhinorrhea, and GI symptoms. Both patients had two negative PCR, and no radiologic or laboratory results regarding COVID-19 were also detected. One had positive influenza PCR, while the second one had a positive serologic test for EBV ;CT , computed tomography Conclusion: transplant programs could continue their activities during the COVID-19 pandemic with specific case selection, accurate screening methods and following protective protocols. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Does Modulation of an Epigenetic Clock Define a Geroprotector? | There is growing interest in the development of interventions (e.g., drugs, diets, dietary supplements, behavioral therapies, etc.) that can enhance health during the aging process, prevent or delay multiple age-related diseases, and ultimately extend lifespan. However, proving that such 'geroprotectors' do what they are hypothesized to do in relevant clinical trials is not trivial. We briefly discuss some of the more salient issues surrounding the design and interpretation of clinical trials of geroprotectors, including, importantly, how one defines a geroprotector. We also discuss whether emerging surrogate endpoints, such as epigenetic clocks, should be treated as primary or secondary endpoints in such trials. Simply put, geroprotectors should provide overt health and disease prevention benefits but the time-dependent relationships between epigenetic clocks and health-related phenomena are complex and in need of further scrutiny. Therefore, studies that enable understanding of the relationships between epigenetic clocks and disease processes while simultaneously testing the efficacy of a candidate geroprotector are crucial to move the field forward. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The use of routine blood tests to assist the diagnosis of COVID-19 in symptomatic hospitalized patients | INTRODUCTION: Specific patterns of blood test results are associated with COVID-19 infection. The aim of this study was to identify which blood tests could be used to assist in diagnosing COVID-19. METHOD: A retrospective review was performed on consecutive patients referred to hospital with a clinical suspicion of COVID-19 over a period of four weeks. The patient's clinical presentation and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR) were recorded. The patients were divided by diagnosis into COVID (COVID-19 infection) or CONTROL (an alternate diagnosis). A retrospective review of consecutive patients over a further two-week period was used for the purposes of validation. RESULTS: Overall, 399 patients (53% COVID, 47% CONTROL) were analysed. White cell count, neutrophils and lymphocytes were significantly lower, while lactate dehydrogenase and ferritin were significantly higher, in the COVID group in comparison to CONTROL. Combining the white cell count, lymphocytes and ferritin results into a COVID Combined Blood Test (CCBT) had an area under the curve of 0.79. Using a threshold CCBT of -0.8 resulted in a sensitivity of 0.85 and a specificity of 0.63. Analysing this against a further retrospective review of 181 suspected COVID-19 patients, using the same CCBT threshold, resulted in a sensitivity of 0.73 and a specificity of 0.75. The sensitivity was comparable to the SARS-CoV-2 RT PCR. DISCUSSION: Mathematically combining the blood tests has the potential to assist clinical acumen allowing for rapid streaming and more accurate patient flow pending definitive diagnosis. This may be of particular use in low-resource settings. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The problem with relying on profit-driven models to produce pandemic drugs | In this article, we explain why profit-driven models for developing treatments for epidemic pathogens produce sub-optimal and sometimes negative public health outcomes Using the example of the drug remdesivir, we demonstrate how the divergence of private incentives from public health needs has led to such outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic We conclude that policy responses to this and future pandemics ought to be conceived and designed in ways that narrow the divergence of private interests from public health needs, including through greater public-sector involvement in pharmaceutical R&D | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Efficacy of Functional Foods, Beverages, and Supplements Claiming to Alleviate Air Travel Symptoms: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Airline passengers experience a range of symptoms when travelling on long flights. This review evaluated the efficacy of functional foods, beverages, and supplements claiming to address the effects of air travel for healthy adults. Products were identified in a scoping review of electronic databases, search engines, and grey literature (March to August 2019). A systematic review of the efficacy of product ingredients was conducted using five electronic databases from inception to February 2021. Articles were screened, data extracted, and assessed for risk of bias by two researchers independently. Meta-analysis was performed. Of the 3842 studies identified, 23 met selection criteria: melatonin (n = 10), Pycnogenol (n = 4), various macronutrients (n = 2), caffeine (n = 2), Centella asiatica (n = 1), elderberry (n = 1), Echinacea (n = 1), fluid (n = 1), and Pinokinase (n = 1). Meta-analysis (random effects model) indicated melatonin reduced self-reported jetlag following eastbound (n = 5) and westbound (n = 4) flights: standard mean difference −0.76 (95% CI = −1.06 to −0.45, I2 0%, p < 0.00001) and −0.66 (95% CI = −1.07 to −0.26, I2 45%, p = 0.001), respectively. Pycnogenol also reduced edema scores (n = 3), standard mean −4.09 (95% CI = −6.44 to −1.74), I2 98%, p = 0.0006). Overall, 12 of 183 ingredients contained in 199 products had evidence to support claims. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
A novel coronavirus, a novel disease: COVID-19 | The novel COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently challenging humankind This virus originated in bats has probably been transmitted to humans through pangolins in the Wuhan marine market (China) by the end of 2019 It is spread by droplets of saliva or through contaminated materials, making it extremely important to isolate infected people who may be symptomatic or asymptomatic The typical clinical features of this disease are fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and general malaise This member of the coronavirus family shows higher infectivity but lower mortality rates (2-3 %) than its predecessors Laboratory tests to detect the virus include reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests or immunoassays | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
CCBRSN: A System with High Embedding Capacity for Covert Communication in Bitcoin | Covert communication has been using to prevent confidential information from being leaked to an unintended receiver. In this paper, we present a general purpose novel methodology for blockchain-based covert communication system design to be used in Bitcoin environment. Blockchain is a distributed system which combines P2P network, consensus protocol, encryption algorithm to complete the first reliable cryptocurrency system Bitcoin. According to the high security and convenient access of this technology, many applications based on Blockchain such as smart contracts, distributed cloud storage have been developed. However, in the field of covert communication, there are few researches are applied in Blockchain. Therefore in this paper, we propose a system called Covert Communication based on Bitcoin Regtest Self-built Network (CCBRSN), which takes Blockchain as a covert communication channel and embeds encrypted messages into Blockchain’s addresses to transmit. In this model, users can transmit covert messages via Blockchain mutually and fast. Finally, we provide experimental analysis for our proposal to show that it is suitable for practical application. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Injustice for the sake of public health: Freeing prisoners in Portugal during the COVID‐19 pandemic | This case study analysis looks at Portuguese policy during the COVID‐19 pandemic whereby convicts were freed for the sake of public health. I defend this policy negatively by refuting the argument that suggested it involved various forms of injustice. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Students’ Performance in Online Learning Environment: The Role of Task Technology Fit and Actual Usage of System During COVID-19 | The 2019 Pandemic has forced students to take online classes, increasing their stress levels and negatively impacting their academic performance. This issue urges the development of a mechanism to make online learning more effective in this nerve-racking time. Therefore, the present study has integrated the task technology fit (TTF) model and the DeLone and McLean Model of Information Systems Success (DMISM) to address the stated issue. The data were collected from 330 and 326 students of top-ranked public and private universities of Punjab, respectively. The theoretical framework was analyzed with the help of structural equation modeling (SEM) using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). The findings indicate that overall quality positively predicts performance through the mediating role of user satisfaction and TTF. The overall quality also positively elevates performance through the mediating role of user satisfaction and actual usage of the system. Moreover, perceived usefulness proved to be a moderator between overall quality and user satisfaction. Finally, the expected practical and theoretical implications have also been discussed. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Scaling Genomics Data Processing with Memory-Driven Computing to Accelerate Computational Biology | Research is increasingly becoming data-driven, and natural sciences are not an exception. In both biology and medicine, we are observing an exponential growth of structured data collections from experiments and population studies, enabling us to gain novel insights that would otherwise not be possible. However, these growing data sets pose a challenge for existing compute infrastructures since data is outgrowing limits within compute. In this work, we present the application of a novel approach, Memory-Driven Computing (MDC), in the life sciences. MDC proposes a data-centric approach that has been designed for growing data sizes and provides a composable infrastructure for changing workloads. In particular, we show how a typical pipeline for genomics data processing can be accelerated, and application modifications required to exploit this novel architecture. Furthermore, we demonstrate how the isolated evaluation of individual tasks misses significant overheads of typical pipelines in genomics data processing. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Measuring the impact of COVID-19 confinement measures on human mobility using mobile positioning data. A European regional analysis | This work presents a mobility indicator derived from fully anonymised and aggregated mobile positioning data. Even though the indicator does not provide information about the behaviour of individuals, it captures valuable insights into the mobility patterns of the population in the EU and it is expected to inform responses against the COVID-19 pandemic. Spatio-temporal harmonisation is carried out so that the indicator can provide mobility estimates comparable across European countries. The indicators are provided at a high spatial granularity (up to NUTS3). As an application, the indicator is used to study the impact of COVID-19 confinement measure on mobility in Europe. It is found that a large proportion of the change in mobility patterns can be explained by these measures. The paper also presents a comparative analysis between mobility and the infection reproduction number R t over time. These findings will support policymakers in formulating the best data-driven approaches for coming out of confinement, mapping the socio-economic effects of the lockdown measures and building future scenarios in case of new outbreaks. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
COVID-19 symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 infection among people living with HIV in the US: the MACS/WIHS combined cohort study | BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection among People Living With HIV (PLWH) is not well-described. OBJECTIVE: To study COVID-19 symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 PCR-based swab testing among participants of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) and Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). METHODS: A telephone survey was collected April-June 30, 2020. Symptom and testing prevalence were explored. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 positivity. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 3411 participants, including 2078 (61%) PLWH and 1333 HIV-seronegative (SN) participants from across the US. Thirteen percent (n = 441) were tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection (13.4% of PLWH vs 12.2% of SN). Among those tested, positivity was higher in PLWH than SN (11.2% vs 6.1%, p = 0.08). Reasons for not being tested included testing not being available (30% of participants) and not knowing where to get tested (16% of participants). Most symptoms reported since January 2020 were similar in PLWH and SN, including headache (23% vs. 24%), myalgias (19% vs 18%), shortness of breath (14% vs 13%), chills (12% vs 10%), fever (6% vs 6%) and loss of taste or smell (6% vs 7%). Among PLWH who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 DNA, the most common symptoms were headache (71%), myalgia (68%), cough (68%) and chills (65%). In multivariable analysis among those tested, the odds of SARS-CoV-2 positivity were higher among PLWH than SN (aOR = 2.22 95%CI = 01.01-4.85, p = 0.046) and among those living with others versus living alone (aOR = 2.95 95%CI = 1.18-7.40). CONCLUSION: Prevalence and type of COVID-19 symptoms were similar in PLWH and SN. SARS-CoV-2 infection may be elevated among PLWH. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Editorial: Evidence, policy and practice - gold standard, good enough or doing it differently? | Welcome to the first issue of Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) in 2021 and also to my first issue as editor-in-chief. Needless to say, 2020 has been one of the most difficult years in living memory for many children and young people around the globe, and, as we discussed in our recent issues, the potential impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health is profound. The case for increased funding for child and adolescent mental health and investing in research has never been greater. Nevertheless, as we step into 2021, there are seeds of optimism as science drives forward treatment and vaccine developments. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Psychological Traits of Patients With Depression Comorbid With Chronic Pain: Are Complaint and Competitive Tendency Related to Pain? | BACKGROUND: Modern-Type Depression (MTD) is a category of depression that has been studied mainly in Japan; however, no study has attempted to determine its relation to chronic pain. AIM: To determine possible associations between psychological traits related to MTD and the chronic pain of patients at psychiatric clinics. METHOD: Two hundred and twenty-one first time patients who visited the psychiatric clinic at a Japanese university medical center or an associated clinic were enrolled. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. The 22-item Tarumi's Modern-Type Depression Trait Scale (TACS-22), Achievement Motive, and 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale were used to assess psychological traits related to depression and chronic pain. The clinical diagnosis of each patient was confirmed by use of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders, administered by experienced specialists. The medians of the psychological traits identified were compared between patients with or without chronic pain. Analysis was also done of patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). RESULT: Of the 221 patients, 139 had chronic pain. Patients with chronic pain had more severe depressive symptoms, Alexithymia, and high scores for the complaint trait of MTD. Seventy-three of the 221 patients met the criteria for MDD (53 had chronic pain). Patients with MDD comorbid with chronic pain had a higher competitive achievement score, severe depression, and difficulty identifying feelings. CONCLUSION: Complaint and competitive traits were shown to be related to chronic pain in psychiatric settings. Further study will allow us to design multidimensional approach for patients suffering from depression. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
COVID-19 and medicinal plants: A critical perspective | On a global scale, the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) is having a direct and indirect effect on human lives, socioeconomic conditions, and the natural environment. The measures are taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus and slowdown of economic activities could have major short and long term effects on the natural ecosystem and climate in the coming days. Based on the current scientific studies, the present perspective intends to examine the possible direct and indirect impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ecosystem particularly on medicinal plants. The natural compounds obtained from medicinal plants and herbal formulations provide rich sources of novel effective measures to control viral infections. The unpredictable COVID situation has affected the environment based on several aspects which may play a key role in impact on plants. The positive perspectives of the world pandemic are a significant improvement in quality of air, reduced carbon emission, increased water purity and reduction in other types of pollution. But at the same time, the negative consequences are much more, which mainly includes increased consumption of preventive medical equipment and medical wastes due to treatment and human immortality, which is continuously endangering the medicinal plants. These wastes may affect the natural cycling process and the natural habitat of the medicinal plants which are a promising solution for the prevention of viral diseases in the years to come. Hence, this perspective will be beneficial for the possible research studies and proper implementation of the strategies that might be support the global climate sustainability. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Audio, Speech, Language,&Signal Processing for COVID-19: A Comprehensive Overview | The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has been the research focus world-wide in the year 2020. Several efforts, from collection of COVID-19 patients' data to screening them for the virus's detection are taken with rigour. A major portion of COVID-19 symptoms are related to the functioning of the respiratory system, which in-turn critically influences the human speech production system. This drives the research focus towards identifying the markers of COVID-19 in speech and other human generated audio signals. In this paper, we give an overview of the speech and other audio signal, language and general signal processing-based work done using Artificial Intelligence techniques to screen, diagnose, monitor, and spread the awareness aboutCOVID-19. We also briefly describe the research related to detect accord-ing COVID-19 symptoms carried out so far. We aspire that this collective information will be useful in developing automated systems, which can help in the context of COVID-19 using non-obtrusive and easy to use modalities such as audio, speech, and language. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
COVID 19 at ischemic heart disease, A retrospective study | Background and Aims: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19, has infected 86,468,659 people around the globe until 6/1/2021, with 1,869,808 mortalities. It is estimated that people with ischemic heart disease (IHD) are in a high risk category for mortality. Furthermore, persons with obesity who become ill and require intensive care present challenges in patient management as it is more difficult to intubate patients with obesity, especially in Saudi Arabia and the region of Hail, where morbid obesity is at 33.6% of the population. Our aim is to establish an epidimiological link for our population between ischemic heart disease and obesity and percentage of intubated patients as we measured mortalities and readmissions in 30 days. Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 751 patients admitted as positive COVID 19 patients, from April 1, 2020 to July 31, 2020, covering a period of 4 months. We then categorised the patient in cohorts accordind to the existence of IHD or not, and categorised them according to their BMI index. We then correlated using statistical tool analysis - SPSS statistics tool - intubation, mortality,readmitance in 30 days in these groups of patient Results: Around 10% of our cases were ischemic heart disease (IHD). 15% of the IHD cases were intubated, instead of 7% of non IHD cases. Mortalities were higher in the IHD group as percentage ( 11% to 9%), and readmissions. Significant correlation between BMI and days of ICU stay Conclusions: IHD patients with COVID 19 are more critical, especially morbid obese. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Does Twitter affect Stock Market Decisions?Financial Sentiment Analysis in Pandemic Seasons: A Comparative Study of H1N1 and COVID-19 | Backgroud: Investors are always playing with the fears and desires of buyers and sellers. Stock exchange markets are not the exception. Financial sentiment analysis allows us to understand the effect of reactions and emotions on social media in the stock market. In this research, we analyze Twitter data and financial indices to answer the question: How do polarity generated by the posts on Twitter influence financial indices behavior in pandemic seasons? Methods: : The study is based on the sentiment analysis of influential Twitter accounts in this field and its relationship with the behavior of important financial indices. To achieve this, we tested four lexicons to detect polarity on Twitter. Results: : Our findings shows that the period in which the markets reacted was 6 to 13 days after the information was shared and disseminated on Twitter in the COVID-19 season, and 1 to 2 day for H1N1 season. Furthermore, in our analysis, we found that the lexicons that got the best results for sentiment analysis on Twitter were S140 and Affin. Conclusions: : Financial sentiment analysis is an important technique to forecasting stock market and polarity is the most widely used technique in the financial area. There is a relationship between the polarity in Twitter and the financial indexes behavior. The most influential Twitter accounts during the pandemic season were The New York Times, Bloomberg, CNN News, and Investing, presenting a very high relation between sentiments on Twitter and the stock market behavior. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Erratum: Collaboration Between Tele-ICU Programs Has the Potential to Rapidly Increase the Availability of Critical Care Physicians-Our Experience Was During Coronavirus Disease 2019 Nomenclature: Erratum. | [This corrects the article DOI: 10.1097/CCE.0000000000000363.]. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
What is new for neurology in 2021? | At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on neurology services, Sue Thomas delves into the recently published National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Quality Standards for Suspected Neurological Conditions and highlights the anticipated Getting It Right First Time neurology final report. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Comparative Y-chromosome analysis among Cypriots in the context of historical events and migrations | Y-chromosome analysis provides valuable information regarding the migration patterns of male ancestors, ranging from the Paleolithic age to the modern humans. STR and SNP genotyping analysis provides data regarding the genetic and geographical ancestry of the populations studied. This study focused on the analysis of the Y-chromosome in Maronite Cypriots and Armenian Cypriots, who came to the island as a result of different historical events. The aim was to provide information on the paternal genetic ancestry of Maronites and Armenians of Cyprus and investigate any affinity with the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots of the island. Since there is limited information in the current literature, we proceeded and used 23 Y-chromosome STRs and 28 Y-chromosome SNPs to genotype 57 Maronite Cypriots and 56 Armenian Cypriots, which were then compared to data from 344 Greek Cypriots and 380 Turkish Cypriots. All samples were assigned to eight major Y-haplogroups but the most frequent haplogroup among all Cypriots is haplogroup J in the major subclade J2a-L559. The calculated pairwise genetic distances between the populations show that Armenian Cypriots are genetically closer to Greek and Turkish Cypriots compared to Maronite Cypriots. Median Joining Network analysis in 17 Y-STR haplotypes of all Cypriots assigned to J2a-L559, revealed that Cypriots share a common paternal ancestor, prior to the migration of the Armenians and Maronites to Cyprus, estimated in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Impact of a Brief Educational Intervention on Knowledge, Perceived Knowledge, Perceived Safety, and Resilience of the Public During COVID-19 Crisis | Extraordinary and unprecedented public health measures have been implemented to contain the ongoing spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. There is paramount importance of cooperation and population engagement in reducing disease infection rates and relieving an outbreak's burden on society. The civil society's engagement may be achieved through disaster education interventions. In this cross-sectional study, a pre-post questionnaire was used to investigate the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge, perceived knowledge, perceived safety, and the individual resilience of the population relating to the COVID-19 outbreak. The results of the study display the benefits of the educational intervention to include a significant overall increase in all examined variables. The study also reviewed the overall trust of the public concerning the main responding authorities, as well as practices concerning protective measures for COVID-19. This study demonstrates that educational interventions, such as the brief video, provide an easily implementable design and effective means for educating and empowering the public and should, thus, be considered as a component of future outbreak responses. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Effect of College Students’ Academic Stress on Anxiety Under the Background of the Normalization of COVID-19 Pandemic: The Mediating and Moderating Effects of Psychological Capital | Based on the background of the continuous development of COVID-19 pandemic, the effect of academic stress on anxiety of college students, as well as the mediating and moderating role of psychological capital are discussed, so as to provide intervention measures for reducing the academic stress and anxiety level of college students during the pandemic. The study used the Academic Stress Scale, the Psychological Capital Scale and the Anxiety Scale to conduct a questionnaire survey on 280 college students in five colleges and universities in Northern Hunan, and obtained 229 valid questionnaires. The data analysis results show that there are differences in academic stress between different genders, and differences in the variable of psychological capital among college students of different grades; Whether he is a student leader and whether he has won a scholarship, the difference of this factor in the three variables of academic stress, psychological capital and anxiety.is not statistically significant. The results of this study showed that psychological capital significantly negatively predicted anxiety (β = −0.602, t = −9.702, p < 0.001), academic stress significantly positively predicted anxiety (β = 0.247, t = 5.462, p < 0.001), psychological capital played a partial mediating role between academic stress and anxiety, and psychological capital also had a certain moderating role between academic stress and anxiety (β = −0.15, t = −4.51, p < 0.001). The conclusion of the study is that in the context of the continuous development of COVID-19 pandemic, positive psychological capital can effectively reduce the anxiety caused by academic stress. This result suggests that the positive psychological capital state of college students should be improved, which can effectively relieve pressure and reduce anxiety. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Effectiveness of targeted health education with focus on knowledge and practice among hospital sanitation workersdesignated in isolation wards as part of the pandemic preparedness for covid-19 | Context: Hospital sanitation workers are at the frontlines of the global crisis caused by COVID-19 and face the challenge of lack of awareness about the disease and methods of protecting themselves and others from getting infected A targeted health education intervention was conducted among them on knowledge and practice regarding basic epidemiology, clinical features and prevention of COVID-19 Aim: To evaluate effectiveness of targeted health education intervention with focus on knowledge and practice regarding COVID-19 pandemic among hospital sanitation workers Settings and Design: Quasi-experimental one group pre test, post test design Methods and Material: Study was done among 46 hospital sanitation workers using structured questionnaire covering demographic variables, knowledge on the basic epidemiological characteristics, clinical features and practice on the prevention of COVID-19 After obtaining informed consent, pre-test was conducted and a targeted health education was given On the 3rd day, post-test was conducted using same questionnaire The mean pre and post test scores were calculated and difference between the scores was analyzed Statistical analysis used: Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25 Demographic information was tabulated using descriptive statistics The difference between the mean pre test and post test scores was analyzed using paired t test Results: The mean pre test score was 9 39±1 5, with 35(76%) having good and 11(24%) poor pre test scores Those in the age group 36-45 years had significantly higher pre test scores compared to other age groups (p=0 03) The mean post test score was 10 6±1 13 There was a statistically significant improvement in the post test scores of the study subjects (p=0 001) Hence, the targeted health education intervention was effective in improving the knowledge and practice of hospital sanitation workers regarding basic epidemiology, clinical features and prevention of COVID-19 Conclusions: Given the heightened vulnerability of hospital sanitation workers to nosocomial infections, all health care institutions should integrate targeted health education intervention into their epidemic response plan | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Tackling modern-day crises: Why understanding multilevel interconnectivity is vital. | Complex crises like the coronavirus pandemic are showing us that modern societies are becoming increasingly unable to live in equilibrium with nature. These crises are the result of multiple causes, which interact at different scales and across different domains. Therefore, investigating their proximate causes is not enough to fully understand them. It is also crucial to take into account the structural factors involved. As concerns the global pandemic, I suggest four levels of analysis: (i) the surface or "proximate" level of the crisis; (ii) the human-environment-animal interface, as pointed out by the One Health approach; (iii) the broader socioeconomic context; and (iv) the deeper or worldview level. Furthermore, I argue that there is the need for a mindset shift if we want to properly trace causality. Much more attention must be given to the study of multilevel connecting patterns and nonlinear mechanisms as the producers of emergent global effects. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Heuristic Thinking and Altruism towards Machines in People Impacted by Covid-19 | Autonomous machines are poised to become pervasive, but most treat machines differently: we are willing to violate social norms and less likely to display altruism toward machines. Here, we report an unexpected effect that those impacted by Covid-19 -as measured by a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder scale- show a sharp reduction in this difference. Participants engaged in the dictator game with humans and machines and, consistent with prior research on disasters, those impacted by Covid-19 displayed more altruism to other humans. Unexpectedly, participants impacted by Covid-19 displayed equal altruism toward human and machine partners. A mediation analysis suggests that altruism toward machines was explained by an increase in heuristic thinking -reinforcing prior theory that heuristic thinking encourages people to treat machines like people- and faith in technology -perhaps reflecting longer-term consequences on how we act with machines. These findings give insight, but also raise concerns, for the design of technology. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
RNA G-quadruplex in TMPRSS2 reduces SARS-CoV-2 infection | Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues to have devastating consequences worldwide. Recently, great efforts have been made to identify SARS-CoV-2 host factors, but the regulatory mechanisms of these host molecules, as well as the virus per se, remain elusive. Here we report a role of RNA G-quadruplex (RG4) in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Combining bioinformatics, biochemical and biophysical assays, we demonstrate the presence of RG4s in both SARS-CoV-2 genome and host factors. The biological and pathological importance of these RG4s is then exemplified by a canonical 3-quartet RG4 within Tmprss2, which can inhibit Tmprss2 translation and prevent SARS-CoV-2 entry. Intriguingly, G-quadruplex (G4)-specific stabilizers attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infection in pseudovirus cell systems and mouse models. Consistently, the protein level of TMPRSS2 is increased in lungs of COVID-19 patients. Our findings reveal a previously unknown mechanism underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and suggest RG4 as a potential target for COVID-19 prevention and treatment. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Environmental conditions and human activity nexus. The case of Northern Italy during COVID-19 lockdown | During COVID-19, draconian countermeasures forbidding non-essential human activities have been adopted worldwide, providing an unprecedented setup for testing sustainability policies. We unravel causal relationships among 16 environmental conditions and human activity variables and argue that, despite a measurable decrease in NO2 concentration due to human activities, locking down a region is insufficient to significantly reduce emissions. Policy strategies more effective than lockdowns must be considered for pollution control and climate change mitigation. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Short-Term Effects of a Multidisciplinary Residential Rehabilitation Program on Perceived Risks, Confidence Toward Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment, and Self-Efficacy in a Sample of Individuals Affected by Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome | Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is the standard treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome. However, optimizing adherence to CPAP therapy of individuals remains very challenging for clinicians because of the role played by the psychological components. In this study, we verified the changes in cognitions and beliefs of individuals after a four-week multidisciplinary residential rehabilitation program targeting the adaptation to CPAP therapy for OSA syndrome. We assessed the components of perceived risks, confidence toward the treatment, and self-efficacy through the self-report questionnaire, namely the Self-Efficacy Measure for Sleep Apnea (SEMSA) questionnaire. We also explored the role played by the temperamental traits on the changes registered in these components after the treatment. Forty-five participants completed the rehabilitation program, showing a higher level of adherence to the treatment. Significant changes were observed in terms of confidence toward the treatment, although no change was reported in terms of perceived risks and self-efficacy. Moreover, those individuals with a higher persistent temperamental trait reported a significant improvement in perceived risks, in the absence of other significant results. After the rehabilitation treatment, our participants were more prone to consider the effect of CPAP treatment on health outcomes. This was in line with the educational aim of the rehabilitation treatment. The temperament seemed to play only a marginal role in the global changes reported by our participants. We discussed the need for behavioral interventions, in addition to education, in improving self-efficacy. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Perceptions of a virtual interview process for pharmacy residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A multisite survey of residency candidates, preceptors, and residency program directors | PURPOSE: To describe the perceptions of residency candidates, residency practitioners (current residents and preceptors), and residency program directors (RPDs) regarding a virtual interview process for pharmacy residency programs across multiple institutions. METHODS: In May 2021, an anonymous web-based questionnaire characterizing perceptions of the virtual interview process used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was distributed to residency candidates, residency practitioners, and RPDs across 13 institutions. Quantitative responses measured on a 5-point Likert scale were summarized with descriptive statistics, and open-ended questions were analyzed using thematic qualitative methods. RESULTS: 236 residency candidates and 253 residency practitioners/RPDs completed the questionnaire, yielding response rates of 27.8% (236 of 848), and 38.1% (253 of 663), respectively. Overall, both groups perceived the virtual interview format positively. When asked whether virtual interviews should replace in-person interviews moving forward, 60.0% (18 of 30) of RPDs indicated they agreed or strongly agreed, whereas only 30.5% (61 of 200) of current preceptors/residents and 28.7% (66 of 230) of residency candidates agreed or strongly agreed. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses revealed that while virtual interviews were easier logistically, the lack of in-person interactions was a common concern for many stakeholders. Lastly, the majority (65.0%) of residency candidates reported greater than $1,000 in savings with virtual interviews. CONCLUSION: Virtual interviews offered logistical and financial benefits. The majority of RPDs were in favor of offering virtual interviews to replace in-person interviews, whereas the majority of residency candidates and practitioners preferred on-site interviews. As restrictions persist with the ongoing pandemic, our results provide insight into best practices for virtual pharmacy residency interviews. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Compromised Humoral Functional Evolution Tracks with SARS-CoV-2 Mortality | The urgent need for an effective SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has forced development to progress in the absence of well-defined correlates of immunity. While neutralization has been linked to protection against other pathogens, whether neutralization alone will be sufficient to drive protection against SARS-CoV-2 in the broader population remains unclear. Therefore, to fully define protective humoral immunity, we dissected the early evolution of the humoral response in 193 hospitalized individuals ranging from moderate to severe. Although robust IgM and IgA responses evolved in both survivors and non-survivors with severe disease, non-survivors showed attenuated IgG responses, accompanied by compromised Fcɣ receptor binding and Fc effector activity, pointing to deficient humoral development rather than disease-enhancing humoral immunity. In contrast, individuals with moderate disease exhibited delayed responses that ultimately matured. These data highlight distinct humoral trajectories associated with resolution of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the need for early functional humoral immunity. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
[Bioethics in times of pandemic] | It has been demonstrated by statistics that COVID-19 pandemic has not been as aggressive among pediatric population as in adults Yet, pediatricians and the rest of the health care team face the dilemma of keeping the commitment and responsibilities towards the patients or withstanding the uncertainties arising versus the possibilities of getting infected and spreading it to their beloved ones There are two main issues: during the professional everyday practice, is there a moral limit when it comes to taking risks? And what is the importance of having difficulty in getting the proper safety equipment in order to decrease the potential risks? Bioethics, as we think, may work as a tool, helping us all to ponder this and the many other bearings we are facing with the current pandemic | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Has the COVID‐19 pandemic changed gender‐ and parental‐status‐specific differences in working from home? Panel evidence from Germany | Has COVID‐19 changed gender‐ and parental‐status‐specific differences in working from home? To answer this question, we used data from the Institute for Employment Research High‐Frequency Online Personal Panel collected in Germany in the early stages of the pandemic (May–August 2020). Regression analyses revealed changes in pre‐pandemic gender‐ and parental‐status‐specific differences in remote working—not only when strict social distancing measures were in place, but also after they were lifted: Fathers were no longer more likely than childless men and women to work remotely, and women were no longer more likely than men to work more hours from home when using this arrangement. Further, the results suggest that cultural barriers in organizations to working from home—which were especially prevalent for mothers before the pandemic—have decreased. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Development and application of sensitive, specific, and rapid CRISPR-Cas13-based diagnosis | Nucleic acid detection is a necessary part of medical treatment and fieldwork. However, the current detection technologies are far from ideal. A lack of timely and accessible testing for identifying cases and close contacts has allowed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative virus of the ongoing coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to spread uncontrollably. The slow and expensive detection of mutations-predictors for chronic diseases such as cancer-form a barrier to personalized treatment. A recently developed diagnostic assay is ideal and field-ready-it relies on CRISPR-Cas13. CRISPR-Cas13 works similarly to other CRISPR systems: Cas13 is guided by a crRNA to cleave next to a specific RNA target sequence. Additionally, Cas13 boasts a unique collateral cleavage activity; collateral cleavage of a fluorescent reporter detects the presence of the target sequence in sample RNA. This system forms the basis of CRISPR-Cas13 diagnostic assays. CRISPR-Cas13 assays have >95% sensitivity and >99% specificity. Detection is rapid (<2 h), inexpensive ($0.05 per test), and portable-a test using lateral flow strips is akin to a pregnancy test. The recent adaptation of micro-well chips facilitates high-level multiplexing and is high-throughput. In this review, we cover the development of CRISPR-Cas13 assays for medical diagnosis, discuss the advantages of CRISPR-Cas13-based diagnosis over the traditional reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and present examples of detection from real patient samples. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Thermal denaturation of a protein (CoVE) by a coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulation | Thermal response of a protein (CoVE) conformation is studied by a coarse-grained Monte Carlo simulation. Three distinct segments, the N-terminal, Trans-membrane, and C-terminal are verified from its specific contact profile. The radius of gyration (Rg) is found to exhibit a non-monotonic sub-universal thermal response: Rg decays on heating in native phase (low-temperature regime) in contrast to a continuous increase on further raising the temperature before its saturation to a random-coil in denature phase. The globularity index (a measure of effective dimension) of the protein decreases as the protein denatures from a globular to a random-coil conformation. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
An updated overview on 2019 novel coronavirus | Coronavirus (CoV) has been associated with several infectious disease outbreak in humans in the past two decades, including Severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus [SARS-CoV] in 2002-2003 and Middle East respiratory coronavirus [MERS-CoV] in 2012 An unexpected and unexplained respiratory infection commenced at Wuhan city, China, during the end of 2019, which was named as novel coronavirus disease [2019-nCoV or COVID-19] by the World Health Organization (WHO) It is considered to be a zoonotic disease, as it has nearly similar amino acid homology to SARS-CoV Reports have revealed an unexpected increase in number of cases worldwide (214 countries and territories along with 2 international conveyances), which intimidates the public with human to human escalation through respiratory droplets and contact routes This pandemic was declared as a public health emergency of international concern It follows an extremely heterogeneous course from mild Flu like symptoms [fever, cough, sore throat, dyspnoea, fatigue, headache and malaise] to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome According to epidemiological data, old age and pre-existing medical co-morbidities are considered to be the risk factors for COVIOD-19 Currently, laboratory-based "Real time-reversed transcription Polymerase chain reaction" [rtRT-PCR] remains the molecular test of choice for the etiologic diagnosis That apart, several hematological, biochemical markers along with various inflammatory cytokines (lymphopenia, serum level of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, ferritin, Interleukin-6, cardiac troponin I) may be used to assess disease severity As of now, there have been approximately more than 36 million cases worldwide and more than one million succumbed to the illness (2 91% estimated mortality rate) Based on reports, India has become the second worst coronavirus hit country with a total number of cases reaching 68 lakhs The dearth of selected medication (anti-CoV) and unusual transmission ability of 2019-nCoV continue to be responsible for this uninterrupted escalation Woefully, specific vaccines are yet to come up Treatment options like broad-spectrum antiviral Remdesivir, and oxygen therapy are being evaluated to control this unprecedented health crisis, although none of these drugs are FDA (Food and drug administration) approved The path of this pandemic is very undetermined and unpredictable In the present scenario, efficacious prevention needs swift action from the standpoint of public health strategies, which entails strict surveillance, rapid detection, and implementation of a containment plan to curb this outbreak This review article highlights the updates on novel coronavirus 2019 and the uninterrupted apocalyptic progress concerning the present situation It also highlights various perspectives of effective therapeutic strategies to restrain this viral outbreak © 2020, Indian Association of Biomedical Scientists All rights reserved | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Quantifying the seasonal drivers of transmission for Lassa fever in Nigeria | Lassa fever (LF) is a zoonotic disease that is widespread in West Africa and involves animal-to-human and human-to-human transmission. Animal-to-human transmission occurs upon exposure to rodent excreta and secretions, i.e. urine and saliva, and human-to-human transmission occurs via the bodily fluids of an infected person. To elucidate the seasonal drivers of LF epidemics, we employed a mathematical model to analyse the datasets of human infection, rodent population dynamics and climatological variations and capture the underlying transmission dynamics. The surveillance-based incidence data of human cases in Nigeria were explored, and moreover, a mathematical model was used for describing the transmission dynamics of LF in rodent populations. While quantifying the case fatality risk and the rate of exposure of humans to animals, we explicitly estimated the corresponding contact rate of humans with infected rodents, accounting for the seasonal population dynamics of rodents. Our findings reveal that seasonal migratory dynamics of rodents play a key role in regulating the cyclical pattern of LF epidemics. The estimated timing of high exposure of humans to animals coincides with the time shortly after the start of the dry season and can be associated with the breeding season of rodents in Nigeria. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: approaches and important themes’. This issue is linked with the subsequent theme issue ‘Modelling infectious disease outbreaks in humans, animals and plants: epidemic forecasting and control’. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Combined systemic inflammation score (SIS) correlates with prognosis in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer receiving palliative chemotherapy | PURPOSE: The prognosis of patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains dismal. New cytotoxic agents such as nab-paclitaxel and liposomal irinotecan (nal-Iri) have extended the armamentarium of therapeutic options in the last years. Nowadays, sequential therapeutic strategies with moderately toxic chemotherapeutic protocols can be administered to the patients. However, prognostic and predictive biomarkers are still missing to identify those patients, which profit most from a "continuum of care" concept rather than receiving intensive first-line protocols such as FOLFIRINOX. To this end, we retrospectively evaluated the impact of the systemic inflammation as one essential hallmark of cancer in patients with advanced PDAC treated with sequential systemic. METHODS: A cohort of 193 PDAC patients treated at our center from January 2005 to August 2011 were retrospectively evaluated for the following systemic inflammatory response (SIR) markers: neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR) C-reactive protein (CRP), and the modified Glasgow Prognostic Score (mGPS). SIR markers were correlated with clinico-pathological findings, response to chemotherapy and overall survival (OS) using Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional models. RESULTS: All evaluated SIR markers were significantly associated with OS in patients with metastatic disease but not in patients with locally advanced PDAC. Interestingly, all SIR markers were only prognostic in patients not receiving antibiotics as surrogate marker for systemic bacterial infections. Based on the evaluated SIR markers, we propose a new Systemic Inflammation Score (SIS), which significantly correlated with reduced OS (HR: 3.418 (1.802-6.488, p < 0.001)) and the likelihood of receiving further-line systemic therapies (p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Routinely assessed SIR biomarkers have potential to support therapeutic decision making in patients with metastatic PDAC. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The policy is always greener: impact heterogeneity of Covid-19 vaccination lotteries in the US | Covid-19 vaccination has posed crucial challenges to policymakers and health administrations worldwide. In addition to the pressure posed by the pandemic, government administration has to strive against vaccine hesitancy, which seems to be considerably higher concerning previous vaccination rollouts. To increase the vaccination protection of the population, Ohio announced a monetary incentive as a lottery for those who decided to vaccinate. This first example was followed by 18 other states, with varying results. In this paper, we want to evaluate the effect of such policies within the potential outcome framework, using the penalized synthetic control method. We treat with a panel dataset and estimate causal effects at a disaggregated level in the context of staggered treatment adoption. We focused on policy outcomes at the county, state, and supra-state levels, highlighting differences between counties with different social characteristics and time frames for policy introduction. We also studied the nature of the treatment effect to see whether the impact of these monetary incentives was permanent or only temporary, accelerating the vaccination of citizens who would have been vaccinated in any case. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Group cognitive behavioural therapy with virtual reality exposure versus group cognitive behavioural therapy with in vivo exposure for social anxiety disorder and agoraphobia: a protocol for a randomised clinical trial | INTRODUCTION: Anxiety disorders have a high lifetime prevalence, early-onset and long duration or chronicity. Exposure therapy is considered one of the most effective elements in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety, but in vivo exposure can be challenging to access and control, and is sometimes rejected by patients because they consider it too aversive. Virtual reality allows flexible and controlled exposure to challenging situations in an immersive and protected environment. AIM: The SoREAL-trial aims to investigate the effect of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-in vivo) versus group CBT with virtual reality exposure (CBT-in virtuo) for patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and/or agoraphobia, in mixed groups. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The design is an investigator-initiated randomised, assessor-blinded, parallel-group and superiority-designed clinical trial. Three hundred two patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and/or agoraphobia will be included from the regional mental health centres of Copenhagen and North Sealand and the Northern Region of Denmark. All patients will be offered a manual-based 14-week cognitive behavioural group treatment programme, including eight sessions with exposure therapy. Therapy groups will be centrally randomised with concealed allocation sequence to either CBT-in virtuo or CBT-in vivo. Patients will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment and 1-year follow-up by treatment blinded researchers and research assistants. The primary outcome will be diagnosis-specific symptoms measured with the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale for patients with social anxiety disorder and the Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia for patients with agoraphobia. Secondary outcome measures will include depression symptoms, social functioning and patient satisfaction. Exploratory outcomes will be substance and alcohol use, working alliance and quality of life. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The trial has been approved by the research ethics committee in the Capital Region of Denmark. All results, positive, negative as well as inconclusive, will be published as quickly as possible and still in concordance with Danish law on the protection of confidentially and personal information. Results will be presented at national and international scientific conferences. The trial has obtained approval by the Regional Ethics Committee of Zealand (H-6-2013-015) and the Danish Data Protection Agency (RHP-2014-009-02670). The trial is registered at ClinicalTrial.gov as NCT03845101. The patients will receive information on the trial both verbally and in written form. Written informed consent will be obtained from each patient before inclusion in the trial. The consent form will be scanned and stored in the database system and the physical copy will be destroyed. It is emphasised that participation in the trial is voluntary and that the patient can withdraw his or her consent at any time without consequences for further and continued treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03845101. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
[Family Care Centres for health protection and promotion of individuals and communities: a reflection at the time of the Coronavirus] | THE CONTEXT: among the community health services representing a resource to face the COVID-19 emergency, there are the Family Care Centres (FCCs) A national study coordinated by the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) and funded by the Italian Ministry of Health, recently described their activities and needs, highlighting a large interregional variability in the number of centres and staff availability Ante and post-natal care, cervical cancer screening and actions addressed at teenagers are the FCCs strategic activities THE CF IN FRONT OF COVID-19: despite the need to limit the offer of care to the services that cannot be postponed during the lockdown, many FCCs have been exemplary in promptly reorganizing activities in the new context The paper presents a selection of experiences carried out from March to June 2020 by some FCCs in different Italian Regions concerning FCCs strategic activities CONCLUSIONS : the combined reading of some of the results of the ISS study and of the activities implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic offers a measure of the ability of the FCCs to respond to the needs of the community and to adapt to change These services based on an innovative health model deserve enhancement and support | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
A Rare Case of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Temporally Associated to the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration | Globally, at the time of writing (20 March 2021), 121.759.109 confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported to the WHO, including 2.690.731 deaths. Globally, on 18 March 2021, a total of 364.184.603 vaccine doses have been administered. In Italy, 3.306.711 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 103.855 deaths have been reported to WHO. In Italy, on 9 March 2021, a total of 6.634.450 vaccine doses have been administered. On 15 March 2021, Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) decided to temporarily suspend the use of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine throughout the country as a precaution, pending the rulings of the European Medicines Agency (EMA). This decision was taken in line with similar measures adopted by other European countries due to the death of vaccinated people. On 18 March 2021, EMA’s safety committee concluded its preliminary review about thromboembolic events in people vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca at its extraordinary meeting, confirming the benefits of the vaccine continue to outweigh the risk of side effects, however, the vaccine may be associated with very rare cases of blood clots associated with thrombocytopenia, i.e., low levels of blood platelets with or without bleeding, including rare cases of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT). We report the case of a 54-year-old woman who developed disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) with multi-district thrombosis 12 days after the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine administration. A brain computed tomography (CT) scan showed multiple subacute intra-axial hemorrhages in atypical locations, including the right frontal and the temporal lobes. A plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) of the right coronary artery was performed, without stent implantation, with restoration of distal flow, but with persistence of extensive thrombosis of the vessel. A successive thorax angio-CT added the findings of multiple contrast filling defects with multi-vessel involvement: at the level of the left upper lobe segmental branches, of left interlobar artery, of the right middle lobe segmental branches and of the right interlobar artery. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the same day showed the presence of an acute basilar thrombosis associated with the superior sagittal sinus thrombosis. An abdomen angio-CT showed filling defects at the level of left portal branch and at the level of right suprahepatic vein. Bilaterally, it was adrenal hemorrhage and blood in the pelvis. An evaluation of coagulation factors did not show genetic alterations so as the nasopharyngeal swab ruled out a COVID-19 infection. The patient died after 5 days of hospitalization in intensive care. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Lyssavirus in Japanese Pipistrelle, Taiwan. | A putative new lyssavirus was found in 2 Japanese pipistrelles (Pipistrellus abramus) in Taiwan in 2016 and 2017. The concatenated coding regions of the virus showed 62.9%-75.1% nucleotide identities to the other 16 species of lyssavirus, suggesting that it may be representative of a new species of this virus. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
[Update 2021: COVID-19 from the perspective of cardiology]./ Update 2021: COVID-19 aus Sicht der Kardiologie | More than one year ago COVID-19 emerged to a rapidly expanding global pandemic. Along with a growing number of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, we gained substantial knowledge on development, progression and treatment of the disease. In the light of increasing worldwide infection rates during the current "third wave", we will give a short update on COVID-19 from a cardiological point-of-view. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Interstitial lung abnormalities and pulmonary fibrosis in COVID-19 patients: a short-term follow-up case series | Fibrotic lung changes are well-known complications of SARS, MERS, and ARDS from other causes and are anticipated in recovered COVID patients. However, there is limited data so far showing a temporal relationship between lung changes on imaging in the acute phase and follow-up imaging after recovery from the infection. We present 12 patients who demonstrate the development of interstitial lung changes and pulmonary fibrosis in the same distribution and pattern as the acute phase findings, up to 6 months after the acute infection, demonstrating a direct relationship between these changes and COVID-19 pneumonia. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Combination of decision tree and K-Means clustering methods for decision making of blt recipients in the COVID-19 period | The economic conditions during the COVID-19 outbreak had an impact on society globally. The number of people who have experienced layoffs has an impact on the economic conditions of the family. The economic impact that helps the community encourages the government to increase efforts to increase social assistance in the form of BLT. However the distribution of BLT was not right on target there were still many people who really could not afford not to receive BLT while those who were still able to get BLT assistance. Therefore, it is important in this study to use a combination of the K-Means Cluster and Decision Tree methods to be used in BLT recipient decision making with the aim of increasing BLT recipients as expected. The calculation results were obtained using a combination of the K-Means Cluster and Decision Tree methods referring to the criteria for the community who has the right to receive data with an error level of -2.476190476 <from error tolerance 6.84. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Epidemic and Mental Health Status in the General Adult Population of Serbia: A Cross-Sectional Study | Since its outbreak, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread throughout the world. The Serbian government declared a state of emergency on 15 March 2020, implementing some of Europe's strictest measures to combat the pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on the mental health of the general adult Serbian population and to identify associated factors during the state of emergency and lockdown. Data were collected with a snowball sampling method between 23 March and 25 April 2020, by using an online questionnaire. Multiple ordinal regression was performed to establish the associations between socio-demographic characteristics, self-estimated health status, and depression, anxiety, and stress. Out of 1057 participants included in the study, 28.9%, 36.9%, and 38.1% reported moderate to severe depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Uneasiness related to COVID-19 news, the feeling of helplessness, likeliness of impending death, and presence of COVID-19 symptoms were associated with higher depression, anxiety, and stress scores. Current smoking status was associated with a higher risk of depression and stress. Students had a significantly higher level of depression and stress, while older age was protective against anxiety and stress. Higher socioeconomic status was significantly associated with lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Axonal Guillain‐Barre syndrome associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in a child | The relation between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and demyelinating Guillain‐Barre syndrome (GBS) has been defined. We aim to report the clinical features of a child with axonal GBS associated with SARS‐CoV‐2. A 6‐year‐old male presented with symmetric ascending paralysis progressed over a 4‐day course and 2 days of fever. He had bilateral lower and upper limb flaccid weakness of 1/5 with absent deep tendon reflexes. He had severe respiratory muscle weakness requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. On admission, SARS‐CoV‐2 returned as positive by real‐time polymerase chain reaction on a nasopharyngeal swab. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis showed elevated protein without pleocytosis. He was diagnosed with GBS associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The nerve conduction study was suggestive of acute motor axonal neuropathy. Ten consecutive therapeutic plasma exchange sessions with 5% albumin replacement followed by four sessions on alternate days were performed. On Day 12, methylprednisolone (30 mg/kg/day for 5 days) was given. On Day 18, intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg/day) was given and repeated 14 days after due to severe motor weakness. On Day 60, he was discharged from the hospital with weakness of neck flexor and extensor muscles of 3/5 and the upper limbs and the lower limbs of 2/5 on home‐ventilation. Our patient is considered to be the youngest patient presenting with a possible para‐infectious association between axonal GBS and SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. The disease course was severe with a rapid progression, an earlier peak, and prolonged duration in weakness as expected in axonal GBS. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
The postnatal period | A lack of adequate knowledge and training in breastfeeding may be felt by many GPs,3 and to increase the understanding of these common issues, an article featured in this issue discusses the essentials of expressing and supplemental feeding.4 The postnatal period provides an opportune time for health promotion and prevention, especially considering that nearly half of all women who delivered babies in 2019 were overweight or obese.5 Promoting a healthy lifestyle, with good nutrition6 and physical exercise,7 is fundamental for subsequent healthy pregnancies and for the prevention of non-communicable diseases. Nearly half of maternal deaths occur soon after birth and in the first six weeks, with the current leading cause in Australia being pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, followed by suicide.9 Mental health conditions are more likely to develop following birth than at any other stage in a womans life,10 and supporting women who may be at risk of or are vulnerable to mental health conditions is crucial to providing high-quality postnatal care.8 Regardless of your breadth of practice in managing women in the postpartum period, this is a time when we can have a significant impact on health outcomes. [...]what matters to women is a positive experience, which includes GPs listening and being responsive to individual needs, managing expectations and arranging support for both parenting and adjustment to the changes that occur within their intimate and family relationships and their roles as mothers.11 References 1. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Comparing the predictive power of machine learning and semi-mechanistic models of endemic measles dynamics | Measles is one the best-documented and most-mechanistically-studied non-linear infectious disease dynamical systems. However, systematic investigation into the comparative performance of traditional mechanistic models and machine learning approaches in forecasting the transmission dynamics of this pathogen are still rare. Here, we compare one of the most widely used semi-mechanistic models for measles (TSIR) with a commonly used machine learning approach (LASSO), comparing performance and limits in predicting short to long term outbreak trajectories and seasonality for both regular and less regular measles outbreaks in England and Wales (E&W) and the United States. First, our results indicate that the proposed LASSO model can efficiently use data from multiple major cities and achieve similar short-to-medium term forecasting performance to semi-mechanistic models for E&W epidemics. Second, interestingly, the LASSO model also captures annual to biennial bifurcation of measles epidemics in E&W caused by susceptible response to the late 1940s baby boom. LASSO may also outperform TSIR for predicting less-regular dynamics such as those observed in major cities in US between 1932-45. Although both approaches capture short-term forecasts, accuracy suffers for both methods as we attempt longer-term predictions in highly irregular, post-vaccination outbreaks in E&W. Finally, we illustrate that the LASSO model can both qualitatively and quantitatively reconstruct mechanistic assumptions, notably susceptible dynamics, in the TSIR model. Our results characterize the limits of predictability of infectious disease dynamics for strongly immunizing pathogens with both mechanistic and machine learning models, and identify connections between these two approaches. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Socio-emotional struggles of young children during COVID-19 pandemic: Social isolation and increased use of technologies | COVID-19 pandemic has caused young children to be isolated from their neighborhood only interacting with people living under the same roof as them, to avoid spreading the virus. Limited social interaction might have affected young children?s social and emotional development. This study aimed to explore the socio-emotional struggles of young children during the pandemic. Participants in the study were 12 mothers of young children living in West Timor, Indonesia. Data were obtained using the photovoice method. Thematic analysis resulted in four main themes, which are increased use of technologies, lack of social interaction, parents? concerns, and boredom and increased need for stimuli. Findings in this study encourage mothers and related stakeholders to take extra precautions on maintaining children?s well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Feedback Particle Filter for Collective Inference | The purpose of this paper is to describe the feedback particle filter algorithm for problems where there are a large number ($M$) of non-interacting agents (targets) with a large number ($M$) of non-agent specific observations (measurements) that originate from these agents. In its basic form, the problem is characterized by data association uncertainty whereby the association between the observations and agents must be deduced in addition to the agent state. In this paper, the large-$M$ limit is interpreted as a problem of collective filtering. This viewpoint is used to derive the equation for the empirical distribution of the hidden agent states. A feedback particle filter algorithm for this problem is presented and illustrated via numerical simulations. The simulations help show that the algorithm well approximates the empirical distribution of the hidden states for large $M$. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Adolescents’ Lockdown-Induced Coping Experiences (ALICE) Study: A Qualitative Exploration of Early Adolescents’ Experiences of Lockdown and Reintegration | The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and perceived impact of the COVID-19 lockdowns among early adolescents in the northwest of England, as well as explore the self-care and coping strategies that helped the young people continue to thrive. Fourteen adolescents, 9 boys and 5 girls, were recruited from four secondary schools in North West England. Remote online interviews were conducted. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data and four themes were identified: (1) change: ?life feels weird?;(2) embracing lockdown;(3) feelings of loss;and (4) stress, worry and challenge. Processes identified will be able to help inform policy and practice for supporting adolescents in the future, including the promotion of positive coping strategies and the provision of resources for young people, schools and families. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Expanded Telehealth Services Offer Smart Wound Care Workflows | We are living in unprecedented times At the time of writing, the World Health Organization declared the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a public health emergency of international concern Before COVID-19, in any health care setting, engaging face-to-face with wound care patients was considered preferable and important to evaluate and manage the patient's wound In the outpatient wound care department, as one example, patients would travel to be seen by the wound care provider However, based on the severity of COVID-19, healthcare workers must now implement alternative "virtual services" to treat their patients Here, Hess talks about the smart wound care workflows presented by expanded telehealth services Telehealth, telemedicine, and related terms generally refer to the exchange of medical information from one site to another through electronic communication to improve a patient's health There are three main types of virtual services physicians and other professionals can provide to Medicare beneficiaries: Medicare telehealth visits, virtual check-ins, and e-visits | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Successful Management of COVID-19 Infection in 2 Early Post-Liver Transplant Recipients | BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected all facets of life and continues to cripple nations. COVID-19 has taken the lives of more than 2.1 million people worldwide, with a global mortality rate of 2.2%. Current COVID-19 treatment options include supportive respiratory care, parenteral corticosteroids, and remdesivir. Although COVID-19 is associated with increased risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with comorbidities, the vulnerability, clinical course, optimal management, and prognosis of COVID-19 infection in patients with organ transplants has not been well described in the literature. The treatment of COVID-19 differs based on the organ(s) transplanted. Preliminary data suggested that liver transplant patients with COVID-19 did not have higher mortality rates than untransplanted COVID-19 patients. Table 1 depicts a compiled list of current published data on COVID-19 liver transplant patients. Most of these studies included both recent and old liver transplant patients. No distinction was made for early liver transplant patients who contract COVID-19 within their posttransplant hospitalization course. This potential differentiation needs to be further explored. Here, we report 2 patients who underwent liver transplantation who acquired COVID-19 during their posttransplant recovery period in the hospital. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Two patients who underwent liver transplant and contracted COVID-19 in the early posttransplant period and were treated with hydroxychloroquine, methylprednisolone, tocilizumab, and convalescent plasma. This article includes a description of their hospital course, including treatment and recovery. CONCLUSION: The management of post-liver transplant patients with COVID-19 infection is complicated. Strict exposure precaution practice after organ transplantation is highly recommended. Widespread vaccination will help with prevention, but there will continue to be patients who contract COVID-19. Therefore, continued research into appropriate treatments is still relevant and critical. A temporary dose reduction of immunosuppression and continued administration of low-dose methylprednisolone, remdesivir, monoclonal antibodies, and convalescent plasma might be helpful in the management and recovery of severe COVID-19 pneumonia in post-liver transplant patients. Future studies and experiences from posttransplant patients are warranted to better delineate the clinical features and optimal management of COVID-19 infection in liver transplant recipients. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Profiling Spanish Prospective Buyers of Electric Vehicles Based on Demographics | As traffic congestion and air pollution rise at alarming rates in many cities worldwide, new smart technologies are emerging to meet the urban mobility challenge. In addition, automotive firms have transformed their business models to make them more sustainable and to adjust to demand response. Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a viable option to reduce ecological damage and improve public health. However, in the previous literature, no consensus has been reached on the profile of prospective buyers of EVs. Based on a large-scale sample of Spanish citizens and using cluster analysis, our study provides a better understanding of the demographics of such prospective buyers. We identified four types of EV prospective buyers. Our results show that although men have a strong preference for EVs, low-income older women prove to be the most EV-aware group;their automotive driving experience and concern for sustainability could be among the underlying causes of this particular interest. Another valuable insight is the greater partiality of older people for EVs. These findings have many implications for managers, especially in the automotive industry, policymakers, and sustainability strategists. They show that EV prospective buyers should not be approached as a homogeneous group but as a heterogeneous group with different socio-demographic characteristics that might help decision-makers make better business decisions. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Effectiveness of BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine among healthcare workers of a large hospital, Milan, Italy | Introduction: Registration studies have shown high efficacy of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. We evaluated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCWs) of a large hospital in Milan, Lombardy, Italy. Material and Methods: Follow-up started on 27 December 2020 (beginning of the vaccination campaign). HCWs without history of SARS-CoV-2 infection before the start date and with at least a nasopharyngeal test afterwards were included. Vaccination was treated as a time-dependent variable. For selected periods after vaccination we calculated incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of infection with a Poisson regression model adjusted for gender, age, occupation, and 30-day periods, and then VE as (1 – IRR)x100 using unvaccinated person-time as reference. Databases were closed on 27 September 2021. The study was approved by the hospital’s ethics committee (Milano Area 2, Prot. No. 828_2021bis). Results and Conclusions: We included 3,809 HCWs, 131 still unvaccinated and 3,678 vaccinated (3,576 with two doses). We identified 134 infections (62% symptomatic). Adjusted VE was 77% (CI: 43-91) from day 14 after the first vaccine dose and 87% (CI: 79-92) at least 7 days after the second dose. After full vaccination schedule VE was 89% (CI: 82-94) for symptomatic and 77% (CI: 45-90) for asymptomatic infections. In conclusion, we found high effectiveness of BNT162b2 vaccine in reducing incidence of both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections. The follow-up is continuing to assess long-term effectiveness, also considering emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Estimating the impact of mobility patterns on COVID-19 infection rates in 11 European countries | Background As governments across Europe have issued non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) such as social distancing and school closing, the mobility patterns in these countries have changed. It is likely different countries and populations respond differently to the same NPIs and that these differences are reflected in the epidemic development. Methods We build a Bayesian model that estimates the number of deaths on a given day dependent on changes in the basic reproductive number, R0, due to changes in mobility patterns. We utilize mobility data from Google mobility reports using five different categories: retail and recreation, grocery and pharmacy, transit stations, workplace and residential. The importance of each mobility category for predicting changes in R0 is estimated through the model. Findings The changes in mobility have a large overlap with the introduction of governmental NPIs, highlighting the importance of government action for population behavioural change. The grocery and pharmacy sector is estimated to account for 97 % of the reduction in R0 (95% confidence interval [0⋅79,0⋅99]). Interpretation Our model predicts three-week epidemic forecasts, using real-time observations of changes in mobility patterns, which can provide governments with direct feedback on the effects of their NPIs. The model predicts the changes in a majority of the countries accurately but overestimates the impact of NPIs in Sweden and Denmark and underestimates them in France and Belgium. Funding Financial support: Swedish Research Council for Natural Science, grant No. VR-2016-06301 and Swedish E-science Research Center. Computational resources: Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing, grant No. SNIC-2019/3-319. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Letter to the Editors: Additional Factors to Consider When Studying Liver Injury Indicators and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients | In a recent issue of Hepatology, Lei et al.(1) conducted a multicenter retrospective cohort study that included 5,771 adult patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in Hubei Province. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the relationships between liver injury indicators (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], alkaline phosphatase [ALP], and total bilirubin [TBIL]) and mortality in COVID-19 patients. The authors considered the possibility that elevated liver injury indicators, particularly AST, are strongly associated with mortality risk. However, the association between liver injury indicators and mortality in COVID-19 patients should be interpreted cautiously in light of the following issues. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
HIIT'ing or MISS'ing the Optimal Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of High- Versus Moderate-Intensity Exercise Prescription. | Introduction: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Exercise is an effective treatment strategy to manage symptoms and reduce long-term health risk. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been suggested as a more efficient exercise mode in PCOS; however, it is not clear whether HIIT is superior to moderate intensity steady state exercise (MISS). Methods: We synthesized available data through a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of isolated HIIT and MISS exercise interventions. Our primary outcome measures were cardiorespiratory fitness and insulin resistance, measured using V ˙ O2max and HOMA-IR respectively. Results: A total of 16 studies were included. Moderate-quality evidence from 16 studies identified significant improvements in V ˙ O2max following MISS (Δ = 1.081 ml/kg/min, p < 0.001, n = 194), but not HIIT (Δ = 0.641 ml/kg/min, p = 0.128, n = 28). Neither HIIT nor MISS improved HOMA-IR [(Δ = -0.257, p = 0.374, n = 60) and (Δ = -0.341, p = 0.078, n = 159), respectively]. Discussion: A significant improvement in V ˙ O2max was evident following MISS, but not HIIT exercise in women with PCOS. This contrasts with previous literature in healthy and clinical cohorts that report superior benefits of HIIT. Therefore, based on available moderate-quality evidence, HIIT exercise does not provide superior outcomes in V ˙ O2max compared with MISS, although larger high-quality interventions are needed to fully address this. Additional dietary/pharmacological interventions may be required in conjunction with exercise to improve insulin sensitivity. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |
Semi-Synthesis of N-Aryl Amide Analogs of Piperine from Piper nigrum and Evaluation of Their Antitrypanosomal, Antimalarial, and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease Activities | Piper nigrum, or black pepper, produces piperine, an alkaloid that has diverse pharmacological activities. In this study, N-aryl amide piperine analogs were prepared by semi-synthesis involving the saponification of piperine (1) to yield piperic acid (2) followed by esterification to obtain compounds 3, 4, and 5. The compounds were examined for their antitrypanosomal, antimalarial, and anti-SARS-CoV-2 main protease activities. The new 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenyl piperamide 5 exhibited the most robust biological activities with no cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines, Vero and Vero E6, as compared to the other compounds in this series. Its half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) for antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense was 15.46 ± 3.09 μM, and its antimalarial activity against the 3D7 strain of Plasmodium falciparum was 24.55 ± 1.91 μM, which were fourfold and fivefold more potent, respectively, than the activities of piperine. Interestingly, compound 5 inhibited the activity of 3C-like main protease (3CL(Pro)) toward anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity at the IC(50) of 106.9 ± 1.2 μM, which was threefold more potent than the activity of rutin. Docking and molecular dynamic simulation indicated that the potential binding of 5 in the 3CL(pro) active site had the improved binding interaction and stability. Therefore, new aryl amide analogs of piperine 5 should be investigated further as a promising anti-infective agent against human African trypanosomiasis, malaria, and COVID-19. | Please summerize the given abstract to a title |